Pets allowed
Allowed
Guided tours
No
Backcountry camping
No
Lodging
No
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Packard Creek Day Use Area is a great place to escape the summer heat and offers opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and exploring the surrounding Willamette National Forest. It is located within Packard Creek Campground along the Hills Creek Reservoir. 

Hills Creek Dam was built on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River in 1961 by the Army Corps of Engineers to help with flood control and water storage. Today it is also a source of hydroelectricity. The reservoir is roughly 2,700 acres and has 44 miles of shoreline, which makes it an ideal place for various water sports and some opportunities for wildlife viewing.

The park includes a designated swimming area, but its use is dependent on the water level in the reservoir. Picnic tables are scattered along the swimming area and close the trees to provide shade. Some grills and fire rings are available near the tables. All picnic areas are first-come, first-served. Vault toilets are located near the boat ramp in one of two parking areas. The boat ramp is open year round. 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

High

Parking Pass

NW Forest Pass

Pros

Boat ramp. Easy water access.

Cons

Busy during summer season. Poison oak.

Features

ADA accessible
Amphitheater
Campgrounds + Campsites
Flushing toilets
Boat ramp(s)
Potable water
Picnic tables
Covered picnic areas
Old-growth forest
Fishing
Bird watching
Wildlife

Location

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