Alder Springs Camp

**🌲 Introduction / Overview**

The name **Alder Springs Camp** (or Campground) refers to more than one primitive, rustic camping location in the state of Oregon, offering distinct experiences depending on which area you plan to visit. For Oregonians seeking true solitude and a self-reliant outdoor adventure, both locations emphasize simplicity, quiet, and direct access to hiking and exploration. These are not heavily developed parks, but rather small, secluded sites where you bring everything you need and pack everything out—the quintessential definition of primitive camping.

The two most commonly referenced sites are:

• Alder Springs Camp (Near Burns): Located in the Malheur National Forest, often described as a remote, low-use spot popular during hunting season, featuring only a handful of sites adjacent to a meadow.

• Alder Springs Campground (Near McKenzie Bridge/Sisters): Located in the Willamette National Forest, right off the historic McKenzie Pass Highway, and acting as a gateway to the Linton Lake Trailhead and the Three Sisters Wilderness. This location is tent-only and known for its towering Douglas fir trees.

Given the provided contact information (Phone: (541) 573-4300), which corresponds to the Malheur National Forest (near Burns), this article will focus on the character of the more remote, Eastern Oregon location while acknowledging the existence of the Central Oregon site near McKenzie Pass. Both, however, promise a truly rustic experience far removed from city life. Visitors must always check the specific location and current status before heading out, as primitive sites are often seasonal and subject to closures.

**🗺️ Location and Accessibility**

**Focusing on the Eastern Oregon Location (Malheur National Forest, near Burns):**

**Address (General Area):** Swain Prairie Rd, Oregon, USA (near Burns)

This remote Alder Springs Camp is deep in the Malheur National Forest in Eastern Oregon, situated in a mix of forested areas and open high-desert terrain. Its seclusion is a primary draw, but it also necessitates careful planning for access.

• Directions: Access typically involves traveling south from the town of Burns on US Highway 20, then following County Road 127, and finally navigating a series of winding, unimproved Forest Service Roads (such as FSR 41, 4340, and 4341) to the campsite.

• Road Conditions: Expect rough, unpaved, and potentially rutted forest roads. A high-clearance vehicle is highly recommended, and drivers should be prepared for washboard surfaces and seasonal closures due to snow or mud.

• Remoteness: This camp is specifically chosen by locals for its isolation. It is a true "get away" spot, meaning emergency services will be distant, and cell service is likely nonexistent.

**For those interested in the Central Oregon Location (Willamette National Forest, near McKenzie Bridge):**

This location is found directly off the McKenzie Pass Highway (Highway 242) and offers easier access, though it is often tent-only and small. Always specify which "Alder Springs" you are heading to when calling for information.

**🛠️ Services Offered**

Alder Springs Camp, particularly the remote Malheur National Forest location, is designed for experienced, self-sufficient campers and offers very limited amenities. It adheres to a strict "Leave No Trace" ethic.

• Campsites: Very few, generally described as a **3-site primitive campground** (Malheur NF) or a **6-site rustic campground** (Willamette NF). Sites are simple dirt or gravel pads suitable for tents or small trailers (in the Malheur location).

• Restrooms: **Vaulted toilets** are sometimes provided at the site, though some descriptions of the more remote sites indicate no facilities at all.

• Water: **No potable water is available** at either Alder Springs location. Campers must pack in all the water they need for drinking, cooking, and sanitation.

• First-Come, First-Served: Both locations operate exclusively on a **first-come, first-served** basis, meaning reservations are not possible. Plan to arrive early, especially during peak season or hunting season.

• Waste Disposal: **No trash service** is provided. Visitors are required to **Pack It In, Pack It Out**, meaning all refuse must leave the site with the camper.

**⭐ Features / Highlights**

What Alder Springs lacks in modern conveniences, it more than makes up for in natural beauty, seclusion, and access to unique regional recreation.

• True Seclusion: The Malheur location is described as being "smack dab in the middle of nowhere," offering unparalleled quiet and a chance to truly escape crowds.

• Hunting Base Camp (Malheur NF): Due to its remote setting near open meadows and forested areas, the Malheur location is particularly popular and serves as a quiet base camp during the Oregon hunting seasons.

• Three Sisters Wilderness Gateway (Willamette NF): The McKenzie Pass location provides immediate access to the **Linton Lake Trailhead**, which is the gateway to challenging and rewarding hiking and backpacking deep into the magnificent Three Sisters Wilderness Area.

• McKenzie Pass Highway Scenic Access: The Willamette location is perfect for those driving the historic and scenic McKenzie Pass Highway (OR-242), offering a rustic overnight stop amid towering Douglas firs.

• Wildlife Viewing: Being in the heart of National Forest land, both areas offer excellent opportunities for viewing local Oregon wildlife and birds in their natural, undisturbed habitat.

**📞 Contact Information**

Since these sites are managed by the U.S. Forest Service, direct site contact is impossible. For current conditions, fire restrictions, and operating status, contact the respective National Forest Office.

• Address (Malheur NF Area): Swain Prairie Rd, Oregon, USA

• Primary Phone (Malheur National Forest): (541) 573-4300

• Mobile Phone (Malheur National Forest): +1 541-573-4300

• For Willamette NF Inquiries: Contact the McKenzie River Ranger District or the Willamette National Forest Supervisor’s Office for information on the McKenzie Pass location.

**🌟 What is Worth Choosing Alder Springs Camp?**

Alder Springs Camp is a great choice for the dedicated Oregon camper who values **solitude, affordability, and raw natural immersion** over creature comforts.

This is where you go when you intentionally seek a **primitive, first-come, first-served** site. It's ideal for those who are prepared to handle their own water, sanitation, and waste, embracing the core principles of Leave No Trace camping. Whether you are using the Malheur location as a quiet retreat during hunting season or utilizing the Willamette location as the launching point for an epic hike into the Three Sisters Wilderness, the reward is the same: access to some of Oregon’s most magnificent and unspoiled natural landscapes.

If you find developed campgrounds too noisy, too bright, or too restrictive, Alder Springs Camp offers the silent, dark sky environment of a proper wilderness escape. The rough journey to the Malheur site acts as a natural deterrent to casual visitors, ensuring that those who make the effort are truly there for the peace and natural experience. This is authentic Oregon backcountry camping at its best.