By KEZI-TV News
ALSEA – A Monroe sawmill has donated a campground located near Alsea Falls to Benton County and the Alliance for Recreation and Natural Areas.
Hull-Oakes Lumber donated its Hubert K. McBee campground near Alsea Falls to the alliance with plans for a transfer of ownership to the county, Benton County officials announced last week. The campground is a longtime popular recreational site featuring scenic views, hiking trails, and waterfalls enjoyed by families and outdoor enthusiasts.
“As a Backcountry Byway and with the growing popularity of mountain biking, there is a huge need for increased camping and recreation amenities in the Alsea corridor,” Ellen Tappon, spokesperson for the recreation alliance, said in a news release. “Hull-Oakes Lumber’s generosity ensures that this special place will continue to be a hub for recreation, family gatherings, and nature appreciation for generations to come.”
County parks officials said their repairs and improvements to the park means the closure to overnight camping during all of 2024. The planned work includes road and trail renovations and repairs, habitat restoration to remove invasive species, restoring native plants and trees, and adding more tent spaces.
The campground will remain open for day use, including picnicking, hiking, biking, and fishing.
“We are ecstatic and humbled by this generous gift from the Nystrom family and Hull-Oakes Lumber,” said county parks director Tomi Douglas. “Yet again the timber community is stepping up and generously sharing an incredible public recreation space that families will enjoy for decades …”