Overview

The refreshing location with its lush, forest setting, coupled with comforts normally associated with an urban park, blend seamlessly at this popular day-use site. Here, one can immerse in the enjoyment of surrounding hiking trails, a swimming area, meandering creeks, and picnicking units. Whether seeking trail solitude, a fun day of water play during the heat of summer, or the lingering memory of that very special celebration, this special place awaits your arrival. Shotgun Creek Recreation Site is open to day use year round. Shelter reservations are available from May 1-September 30 each year.

Facilities

• Reserve one or both large group day-use shelters each equipped with fireplace, lights, sinks, potable water, and picnic tables that will accommodate up to 112 people comfortably for events.
• 23 individual picnic sites
• 6.43 miles of hiking trail

Natural Features

The beautiful, well-equipped wooden shelters, available by reservation, offer a fine place to celebrate special events such as weddings, anniversaries or birthday parties.

Recreation

Hiking, picnicking, family gatherings, sand volleyball, softball, playground, horseshoe pits, and seasonal water play.

Nearby Attractions

• The 34-mile Shotgun OHV Trail System is located immediately north of the recreation site. Nearby staging facilities offer free amenities such as picnic tables, bathrooms, and trash facilities. Elevations from 758 to 2,864. Current fire restrictions: Fire Closures and Restrictions. Public Fire Restriction lev els can be found on Oregon Department of Forestry's website. 
• Earnest Bridge south on Marcola Rd about a mile on the left on Paschelke Rd.
• Springfield Golf Club south on Marcola Rd about 9 miles turn left on Sunderman Rd.
• McGowan Environmental Education Area is located along McGowan Creek Road west of Shotgun Creek Rd.

Important Notices

• Campfires? Please see here for current fire restrictions: Fire Closures and Restrictions. Typically, campfires are limited to the steel fire rings or BBQ grills provided within the recreation site. No building rock campfire rings. Public Fire Restriction levels can be found on Oregon Department of Forestry's website. 

• Shelters are available for reservations during peak season at the following fees: 1-100 people ($100) , both shelters ($300). Each additonal person over the initial 100 are rated at an additonal $1.50/ person. Fees do not include a per vehicle fee collected at the facility.

• The facility collects a $5 fee for each vehicle entering the site including those vehicles associated with a shelter reservation. Alternatively, you may use the following annual passes: Shotgun Annual, Interagency Annual or Lifetime, and Golden Lifetime passes.

• Day-use only site, there is no overnight camping allowed.

• The gate hours during peak season of May 1-September 30 is 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

• The gate hours during non-peak season of October 1-April 30 is 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.

• No ATV's or ORV's allowed within the site.

Available Activities

• Birding - Birding
• Hiking - Hiking
• Picnicking - Picnicking
• Swimming - Swimming
• Day Use Area - Day Use Area

Directions

<p><strong>From the North</strong></p> <ul> <li>Take Interstate 5 south, exit 216, OR-228 towards Brownsville/Crawfordsville. Turn right on Bush Creek Road just east of Crawfordsville. Drive 12.4 miles on Bush Creek Road that turns into Marcola Road. Turn right just past the community of Mabel onto Shotgun Creek Road. Follow Shotgun Creek Road approximately 1.5 miles. The recreation site is located on the right side of the road.</li> </ul> <p><strong>From the South</strong></p> <ul> <li>Take Interstate 5 north, exit 194A, OR-126 E towards Springfield. Travel 4 miles east to the 42nd St/Marcola exit and follow the signs to Marcola driving for about 13.3 miles until it intersects the Shotgun Creek Road (first paved road on the left). Follow Shotgun Creek Road approximately 1.5 miles. The recreation site is located on the right side of the road.</li> </ul>

Cancellation Policy

<p>Standard fees apply and are non-refundable.</p> <p>Visit <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies" rel="nofollow">https://www.recreation.gov/rules-reservation-policies</a> for more information.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 541-683-6600

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip