Ellmaker State Wayside

Ellmaker State Wayside is a rest area and state park covering about 80 acres of mixed timber and open grassland north of Burnt Woods on U.S. Route 20. The property includes two creeks that have been naturally dammed by beavers, creating small water features throughout the landscape.

The property was donated to Oregon State Parks in 1961 by Harlan D. Ellmaker, a retired Forest Service employee. His gift reflected a personal commitment to preserving the natural landscape and making it available to the public.

The park stands as the first established state recreational area on Route 20 between Corvallis and Newport, marking a milestone in public land accessibility.

The site features four picnic tables beside a grassy area, public restrooms, and parking spaces for travelers stopping along the Corvallis-Newport Highway. The facilities work well for short breaks during a longer drive.

The park contains Tum Tum Creek, which forms where two streams converge within the park boundaries. This naturally formed waterway often goes unnoticed by visitors passing through.