Photo: Visitor7, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
🌤 Weather at Ellmaker State Wayside by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30–69 °F | 43–83 °F | 31–77 °F | 28–51 °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 Corvallis Water Bureau, 11 mi away, elevation 592 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🌲 Ellmaker Wayside — A highway rest stop and tree preserve between Newport and Corvallis, with a fir forest, old fruit trees and a grassy meadow.
Ellmaker State Wayside is on the highway between Newport and Corvallis in Lincoln County, Oregon. The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) says the land works equally well as a highway rest stop and a tree preserve. The Corvallis-Newport Highway bisects the property.
Four picnic tables border a spacious, grassy meadow. A small stream flows from the northeast through the fir forest to join the Tumtum River, and fruit trees are still found on the south side. The wayside has flush restrooms.
There is no campground, and no day-use parking permit is required.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | On the Corvallis-Newport Highway, between Newport and Corvallis, Lincoln County, OR |
| Size | about 76.1 acres (OPRD) |
| Facilities | Four picnic tables at a grassy meadow, flush restrooms |
| Camping | None (day use only) |
| Day-use permit | Free (no day-use parking permit required) |
Things to Do
- Picnic by the meadow. Four picnic tables border a spacious, grassy meadow.
- Stop and stretch. OPRD describes the wayside as a highway rest stop, with flush restrooms.
- Look at the trees. The property is a tree preserve with a fir forest, and fruit trees are still found on the south side.
- Follow the stream. A small stream flows from the northeast through the fir forest to join the Tumtum River.
History
Harlan D. Ellmaker, who previously lived on the property, gave the land to the state in 1961. The Corvallis-Newport Highway bisects the property. According to OPRD, Mr. Ellmaker was born in Oregon in 1881 and was the grandnephew of an early settler of Lane County. His working years were spent with the U.S. Forest Service and other federal government agencies.
Visitor Tips
- The wayside has four picnic tables, so a larger group may want to bring its own seating.
- The highway runs through the middle of the property, so watch for traffic if you move between the two sides.
- Look for the fruit trees on the south side of the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I camp at Ellmaker State Wayside?
No. It is a day-use wayside with no campground.
Is there a fee to stop here?
No. OPRD does not list a day-use parking fee, so no day-use parking permit is required.
Who was Ellmaker?
Harlan D. Ellmaker, who gave the land to the state in 1961. He had lived on the property and worked for the U.S. Forest Service and other federal government agencies.
Nearby Attractions
The closest state parks in our guide are Agate Beach State Recreation Site (21.2 miles in a straight line), Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site (21.2 miles), South Beach State Park (21.3 miles) and Beverly Beach State Park (22.4 miles).
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site (within about an hour’s drive) and South Beach State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🌲 Visit Ellmaker State Wayside
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 Ellmaker State Wayside
- 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 Ellmaker State Wayside?
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
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