Alderwood State Wayside, State park in Lane County, Oregon.
Alderwood State Wayside is a forest park in Lane County covering about 76 acres along Highway 36 next to the Long Tom River. The site features old Douglas firs, Pacific dogwoods, and bigleaf maples that form a thick forest canopy.
Lane County transferred the land to Oregon State Parks in 1931, and the Civilian Conservation Corps developed picnic facilities around 1935. This early work created the foundation for the park as it exists today.
The forest here reflects the Pacific Northwest ecosystem where wildlife like kingfishers and cutthroat trout live alongside the river. The blend of towering conifers and deciduous trees creates a setting where nature follows its own patterns.
The park has toilets, picnic tables, and fishing spots along the river plus hiking trails open year-round. Visitors should know the day-use area operates during standard hours and overnight camping is not permitted.
In spring the forest floor displays yellow violets trillium and bleeding hearts beneath the dense canopy of evergreens and deciduous trees. This seasonal flowering makes the park particularly worth visiting during that time of year.
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