Note: Ripplebrook Campground is currently closed indefinitely due to fire damage. The information below reflects conditions prior to closure.
Mt. Hood National Forest's Ripplebrook Campground sits along a river corridor in the Welches area, managed by the US Forest Service and open seasonally from late May through mid-September. The campground's layout stretches away from the highway, which keeps road noise low. Sites are spaced with notable privacy between them, and the river runs through the area, crossed in places by large logs. Anglers and paddlers have direct water access, and the surrounding forest provides consistent shade cover.
Site quality varies depending on where you land. Some sites sit closer to the campground road than others, but the back sites draw less traffic. Site 14 is a short walk-in spot set slightly above the others on a platform-style layout. The nearby Alder Flat trailhead gives hikers a quick connection to additional forest terrain. A camp store in the area carries supplies and trail information for nearby lakes and routes.
Bjorn S. describes the campground as having "fantastic privacy between sites," which aligns with what multiple reviewers note about the layout. Reservations are available, and the campground accommodates RVs up to 34 feet. Drinking water, toilets, trash service, and a dump station are all on-site. Pets are permitted. For campers wanting a different setup, Rainbow (OR) is a nearby alternative within the same stretch of forest.
Description
Overview
Ripplebrook Campground is a charming facility for nature enthusiasts and lies in a beautiful forest setting. Fly fishing and whitewater rafting are popular near the campground, as it neighbors the Clackamas Wild and Scenic River. The small facility is geared more toward tent camping, however, tent trailers and RVs under 19 feet are welcome.
Recreation
Fishing is very popular in the Clackamas River and anglers can expect a catch of winter steelhead, spring chinook and late summer kokanee salmon, as well as other species of freshwater fish. Whitewater rafting is also a favorite pastime. The Clackamas provides miles of wild water as it bends through the scenic Cascade Range. The 5-mile Riverside National Recreation Trail, popular for hiking and mountain biking, is located not far from the campground. The surrounding area provides numerous additional trail opportunities.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family sites for tent and small RV camping. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided. Utility hookups are not available. Parking surfaces are paved and gravel.
Natural Features
The campground borders the Oak Fork of the Clackamas River in a dense forest of mature maple, cedar and fir trees. Large shrubs and ferns blanket the forest floor, providing privacy between campsites. The campground is situated at an elevation of about 1,400 feet. The Ripplebrook Ranger Station and Ripplebrook Pond are close by. The river provides habitat for the federally protected bald eagle and northern spotted owl, as well as an occasional peregrine falcon. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
Contact Info
For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 522-8368 for general information.
Nearby Attractions
Bagby Hot Springs is located about 14 miles southwest of the campground. A popular site for soaking and relaxing, the springs are in a heavily wooded area in the scenic Cascade Range. The available bathhouses are fed by three major hot water springs and several minor outlets in the area. A historic guard station was built there in 1913.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRipplebrook Campground CLOSED INDEFINITELY DUE TO FIRE is located in Oregon near Welches
Public CampgroundDirections
From Estacada, travel east on Highway 224 for 26 miles to the campground, which is just past the Ripplebrook Camp Store.
Coordinates
45.080028 N
122.042821 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Portland, OR
- 1 hr 33 min from Salem, OR
- 1 hr 52 min from Albany, OR
- 2 hrs 8 min from Corvallis, OR
