Photo: Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Elijah Bristow State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40–65 °F | 51–80 °F | 42–74 °F | 37–50 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Lookout Point Dam, 5 mi away, elevation 712 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌲 Elijah Bristow State Park — A day-use park on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, southeast of Eugene on Highway 58, with meadows, woodlands, wetlands and more than 10 miles of trail.
Elijah Bristow State Park sits on the Middle Fork of the Willamette River in Lane County, Oregon, and is easy to reach by State Highway 58, southeast of Eugene. OPRD describes 847 acres of scattered meadows, woodlands and wetlands, and says the park was named for one of the first pioneer settlers in Lane County.
There are more than 10 miles of trail for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians (electric-assisted bicycles are not allowed). Three reservable group picnic areas and numerous first-come, first-served sites are in the park, and Channel Lake, a land-locked river channel, provides habitat for osprey, great blue heron, bald eagles and beaver.
There is no campground. OPRD lists the park as day use, with a separate equestrian staging area for riders.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Middle Fork of the Willamette River, off State Highway 58 southeast of Eugene, Lane County, OR |
| Size | about 847 acres (OPRD) |
| Facilities | Bike path, hiking trails, horse trails, fishing, kayaking, picnicking, flush restrooms, viewpoint, wildlife habitat |
| Camping | None (day use only) |
| Day-use permit | $10/vehicle day-use parking permit ($12 non-resident) |
Things to Do
- Hike, bike or ride a horse on more than 10 miles of trail; the trail system includes a portion of the Eugene to Pacific Crest trail.
- Picnic at one of the first-come, first-served sites or reserve one of the three group picnic areas.
- Fish the river; OPRD says salmon and steelhead trout abound during annual runs in one of the few stretches of the lower Willamette with fast-moving white water.
- Launch a kayak or canoe from the new access trail to the river, the start of a trip on the Willamette River Water Trail.
- Watch for wildlife along Channel Lake, including osprey, great blue heron, bald eagles and beaver.
History
OPRD says the park was acquired between 1971 and 1979 by gift from Lane County, transfer from the State Lands Division and purchase from private owners. It lies along the Middle Fork just below Dexter Dam.
The park was originally called Dexter State Park. In 1979 the name changed to honor Elijah Bristow (1788-1872), known as one of the first Euro-American settlers in Lane County. On his claim, Bristow founded the community of Pleasant Hill, about 10 miles west of the park on Highway 58.
Visitor Tips
- Plan on a day-use parking permit, since OPRD lists a day-use parking fee.
- Electric-assisted bicycles are not allowed on the trails.
- Riders can use the separate equestrian staging area, which OPRD says has a picnic shelter, barbecue grills, tables, water and a restroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Elijah Bristow State Park?
No. OPRD lists no overnight camping here; the park is for day use.
What wildlife can I see at Elijah Bristow?
OPRD names osprey, great blue heron, bald eagles and beaver at Channel Lake, and says the park is also home to threatened species including the Western pond turtle and the Oregon chub.
Nearby Attractions
The closest state parks to Elijah Bristow State Park on this site are Dexter State Recreation Site, 2.0 miles away, and Jasper State Recreation Site, 5.2 miles away. Fall Creek State Recreation Site is 5.4 miles away and Alderwood State Wayside is 32.4 miles away. All distances are in a straight line.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Dexter State Recreation Site (a short drive away) and Jasper State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
🌲 Visit Elijah Bristow State Park
Current status, alerts and directions from Oregon State Parks.
Sources: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) park page; U.S. Census Bureau geocoder (county). As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Elijah Bristow State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Elijah Bristow State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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