Siuslaw National Forest

Siuslaw National Forest covers a total area of 634,207 acres in the coastal mountain range of west-central Oregon. The national forest is located near the following metropolis and urban centers Eugene, Corvallis, Florence, Waldport, and Reedsport. To access the forest, you can use several routes including; OR 18, OR 34, OR 36, OR 38, OR 126, US 20 and US 101. Siuslaw National Forest was established on July 1, 1908, and is administered by the United States Forest Service. 

Several different ecosystems make up the national forest ranging from sand dunes to coastal forests. Some of the unique features within the forest include oceanfront property (Siuslaw National Forest is one of two national forests with oceanfront property), Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Cascade Head Scenic Area, Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and Mary's Peak, which is the highest point in the Coastal Range at a height of 4,097 feet. 

The Siuslaw National Forest also includes the historic Heceta Head Lighthouse, which is fully functional to this day. Furthermore, the protected forest land is also home to three officially designated wilderness areas including Drift Creek Wilderness, Cummins Creek Wilderness, and Rock Creek Wilderness. Besides these unique features, it also attracts visitors due to the several recreational facilities including 230 miles of trails, almost 40 campgrounds, visitor center, boat ramps, and two ORV areas.

Recreational activities that lure visitors to the national forest include canoeing, camping, salt and freshwater fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, ORV riding, beachcombing, horseback riding, whale watching, and biking. Dogs are also allowed into the forest, therefore, if you want to bring your pooch, you can do so, but you have to follow standard national forest rules. 

Some of the basic rules you will have to be aware of at the Siuslaw National Forest include the following. First of all, you must keep your dog on a leash at all times. Your dog’s leash must not be longer than six feet in length. You are also expected to maintain immediate control of your dog at all times, and you must prevent your dog from going to areas of the forest that are out-of-bounds to dogs.