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Dispersed Camping

Alder Flat

4 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Alder Flat, near Estacada, Oregon, is a unique spot for those who appreciate the beauty of nature without the frills of traditional campgrounds. This area offers a free and laid-back camping experience, where you can set up your spot among the trees and enjoy the peace and quiet.

Visitors have noted the lush greenery and the serene pond that greets you right away. The trail leading to the popular Clackamas River is just a short hike away, making it easy to enjoy some scenic views and maybe even spot some wildlife along the way. As one camper put it, “You are immediately ensconced in quiet and shade,” which really captures the vibe here.

While there are no designated sites or amenities like toilets or trash services, many appreciate the freedom that comes with dispersed camping. Some reviewers mentioned the foot traffic, especially on weekends, but others found it to be a great place to relax and soak in the natural surroundings. Just remember to pack out what you pack in—keeping this beautiful area clean is key.

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and connect with nature, Alder Flat is a solid choice. With its stunning views and the sound of the nearby river, it’s a perfect spot for a weekend escape or a longer stay. Just be prepared for a bit of a rustic experience, and you’ll be all set for a memorable adventure.

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Location

Alder Flat is located in Oregon

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Timothy Lake Meditation Point

Timothy Lake Meditation Point

28 min away

Timothy Lake Dispersed Camping

Timothy Lake Dispersed Camping

29 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-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

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4.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Salem R.
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
Alison S.
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
Bjorn S.The Dyrt PRO User
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 1-4 of 4 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.

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