Discover Welches

For a stay in Welches, the forest, river, and trails offer concrete ways to plan your day. Wildwood Recreation Site is near the town; the Hoodland Farmers Market takes place in Welches. The different trail types and local points of interest can help you choose activities that suit your interests.

Forest and river at Wildwood Recreation Site

Wildwood Recreation Site is located near Welches on the Mount Hood Scenic Byway. It covers 550 acres of forest characterized by old-growth Douglas firs, western hemlocks, and red cedars. The Salmon River, designated a Wild and Scenic River, flows through the site. Together, the forest and river provide a setting for outdoor experiences. The Cascade Streamwatch Interpretive Area at Wildwood Recreation Site is also located on the lower Salmon River.

Visitors can swim in the Salmon River at Wildwood Recreation Site. Check local conditions and advisories before swimming. This allows you to include a river activity in your plans without assuming that conditions will always be suitable.

Loop trails and longer hikes

The Cascade Streamwatch Trail is a paved, accessible 0.75-mile loop. Interpretive signs and a window below the water’s surface provide opportunities to observe fish. The Wetlands Trail at Wildwood is also accessible, 0.75 miles long, and arranged as a loop. Both trails have the same listed length; the Cascade Streamwatch Trail also has a paved surface and interpretive features.

For a longer hike, the 4.7-mile Boulder Ridge Trail leads into the Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness. The Salmon River Trail #742 passes through mossy old-growth forest along the Salmon River, which is designated a Wild and Scenic River, and also leads into the wilderness area. The Salmon-Huckleberry Wilderness offers opportunities for hiking, fishing, and backpacking in old-growth forest. This gives you a choice of short loops or longer hikes when planning your day.

Trailheads and camping

The Salmon River West Trailhead is the western access point for the Salmon River Trail. It has parking for approximately ten mid-size vehicles; capacity may change. The Old Salmon River Trailhead is on Salmon River Road in Welches. Check current road and trail conditions before setting out, especially if a trailhead is part of your plan.

Several designated campsites are located along the Salmon River Trail, making it suitable for backpacking. Conditions at the campsites may change. If you are planning a longer trip, consider these sites along the route and check current conditions in advance.

Market, history, and getting there

The Hoodland Farmers Market in Welches brings residents together with local farmers, artisans, and businesses. Its focus is on regional food and sustainable practices, and it offers healthy foods and natural products from local farms and producers. The specific offerings may vary by season and vendor, so do not assume the market will have the same selection each time.

The area’s history also offers specific points of interest. St John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church near Welches is individually listed as a historic property. If you are considering a visit, check access in advance. The Old Welches Inn Bed & Breakfast is located in a two-story hotel building constructed in 1902. If you are considering staying there, check current availability before making a booking decision.

To arrive by bicycle, you can bring your bike on the MHX bus at the Sandy Transit Center in Sandy and get off at the Hoodland Senior Center stop in Welches. Check current MHX service before traveling. This lets you include bringing your bike in your travel plans without assuming a particular connection or schedule.

Discover more destinations: West Linn, Oak Grove, Canby, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Government Camp, Lake Oswego, Wilsonville

For the broader travel overview: Clackamas.