The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App
Map showing campground location near Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon
Camper submitted image from Alder FlatView 15 Photos
NatureMap showing campground location near Mt. Hood National Forest, Oregon

Alder Flat

5 ReviewsAdd Review
SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

A short hike through dense, fern-lined forest leads to Alder Flat, a free dispersed camping area within Mt. Hood National Forest along the Clackamas River corridor. The trail runs just under a mile one way, crossing several footbridges before opening into a scattered camping area with fire rings. Keep right at the early fork to stay on the correct route. The surrounding forest runs thick with Douglas fir and heavy undergrowth, and the canopy provides consistent shade throughout the sites.

The Clackamas River is the main draw. Campers set up close to the water, and on summer weekends, day users also make the hike in to swim, which means the area sees foot traffic well beyond just overnight visitors. One reviewer noted the sites sit close together, which can make the spot feel crowded on busy days. The river runs cold even in August. Sites are dispersed with no formal layout, and Bjorn S. notes there are "lots of little side routes to find your perfect spot" along the trail corridor.

Worth noting: a 2021 fire significantly altered this area. Recent reviews report burned surroundings and nearby road and campground closures, so conditions on the ground may differ from older accounts. Check current Forest Service advisories before making the trip. There is no fee, no formal facilities, and no reservations. Campers are responsible for packing out all waste. Those wanting a developed alternative nearby can consider Mount Hood National Forest Ripplebrook Campground, roughly a mile east, or browse free camping near Mt. Hood National Forest for other dispersed options in the region.

Suggest an Edit

RV Road Trip Guides

Pacific Coast Road Trip

19 Day Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip Segment: Astoria, OR to Brookings, OR

Astoria to Brookings: 4 Day Road Trip

Build Your Trip

Plan a TripAdd

Map & DirectionsAlder Flat is located in Oregon near Mt. Hood National Forest

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Directions

From Portland, OR travel east on US Hwy 26 to Sandy. Turn right (southwest) on OR Hwy 211 and travel 6.1 miles to OR Hwy 224. Turn left (southeast) on OR Hwy 224 and travel 29.9 miles to the parking lot on the west side of OR Hwy 224 (approximately 0.15 miles south of milepost 49). Walk in approximately one mile on Alder Flat Trail #574.

Coordinates

45.08400045 N
122.06100018 W

Open in Google Maps

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Dispersed

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Alder Flat needs a permit.

Try PRO for Free

Drive Time

2026 Explorer Giveaway

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Oregon Contest

Enter to Win

Reviews5 Camper Reviews - Alder Flat

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

40%
40%
0%
0%
20%

4.0

out of 5

5 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the quiet, shaded dispersed camping with scenic pond views and trail access to Clackamas River. Some noted cleanliness issues and foot traffic concerns, but most found it peaceful.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile
Reviewed Jul. 11, 2026

Burn area

This area is completely burned and while I’m sure it’s fine setting up here for a night in a pinch, it’s definitely not somewhere you’d want to stay for more than that. The river is beautiful, but many of the surrounding dirt roads and campgrounds are closed.

SiteI didn’t stay because it was a mess
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jul. 22, 2022

Sadly Burned Down

This gorgeous trail and dispersed camp is so unrecognizable from the 2021 fires that there is no turn off. May we remember it’s memories!

Siten/a
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Aug. 9, 2020

Cool spot but lots of foot traffic

We stopped here for the first time for a hike and to check out the camping situation. The hike is just under a mile long, one way. Keep right at the fork early on to go the right way. Really pretty and shaded. You cross a few foot bridges and it opens up to a fairly good sized camping area with some scattered fire rings. It was surprisingly sparse camping wise for a saturday. Great view of the water just across a dry creek bed and over the hill. Good number of people enjoying the river and a few kids swimming but it was freezing so i dont know how they did it!

Parking lot was fairly full, there might be room to park on the road but im not sure.

I wouldn’t want to camp here because of the foot traffic and how close you have to camp to other people. Might work out good for others though!

Also just a reminder to please pick up your trash and toilet paper. I saw it all over the place at the sites along 224 and its just gross.

  • Review photo of Alder Flat by Alison S., August 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Alder Flat by Alison S., August 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Alder Flat by Alison S., August 9, 2020
  • (4) View All
Reviewed Oct. 25, 2018

Hush Now

Dispersal camping all year. You are immediately ensconced in quiet and shade, an impossibly green and detailed large pond right off the bat, with a huge walkable log going right to the middle, and lots of interesting critters and a popurrí of different foliage up and down the trail. Ends at the popular Clackamas River after a too-short 1.4 miles. Lots of little side routes to find your perfect spot.

  • Review photo of Alder Flat by Bjorn S., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Alder Flat by Bjorn S., October 25, 2018
  • Review photo of Alder Flat by Bjorn S., October 25, 2018
  • (5) View All
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best season to camp at Alder Flats?

Alder Flats is technically open for dispersed camping year-round, but late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the most pleasant camping conditions. Summer provides warm days and cool nights, with the shaded trail and camping area offering relief from heat. The area's lush vegetation and water features are most vibrant during late spring and early summer. Always check current conditions before visiting, as seasonal weather patterns and wildfire impacts can affect accessibility and safety.

What camping facilities are available at Alder Flats?

Alder Flats offers primitive, dispersed camping with no developed facilities. The camping area is fairly good-sized with several spots for tents. As dispersed camping, there are no amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, or restrooms. Campers should be prepared to pack in all necessary supplies and pack out all waste. This free camping area emphasizes a leave-no-trace approach, so visitors must clean up after themselves to preserve the natural environment.

Where is Alder Flats Campground located in Oregon?

Alder Flats is a dispersed camping area located along a hiking trail in Oregon. The camping area is situated approximately one mile from the trailhead, requiring a short hike to access. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, shade coverage, and proximity to water features including a green pond. Unfortunately, the area was significantly impacted by wildfires in 2021, which may have altered access points and trail conditions.

What hiking trails are accessible from Alder Flats Trailhead?

The main trail from Alder Flats Trailhead is a scenic path that runs just under one mile (one-way) to the camping area. Hikers should keep right at an early fork to stay on the correct path. The trail features several foot bridges, diverse foliage, and is mostly shaded, making for a pleasant hiking experience. The path winds through an impossibly green area with a large pond that has a walkable log extending to its center. The trail showcases a variety of local flora and fauna before opening up to the camping area.

Keep Exploring