To maintain top quality recreation experience, PacifiCorp’s Lewis River campgrounds and day use areas modestly increase fees

ARIEL, Wash. — In order to maintain high standards at more than 500 camping and picnic sites enjoyed by more than 400,000 visitors annually on the Lewis River, PacifiCorp is increasing fees, in most cases by less than $2 per day, charged for camping and parking effective April 1.

Reservations made before April 1 will be charged at the former rates. Effective April 1, the new fees will apply for reservations or any permits issued on site. To reserve a campsite, go to the Washington recreation page. For more information, call 503-813-6666 or email recreation@pacificorp.com.

Specific fee increases are listed at the bottom of this release.

A tradition of recreational excellence

The Lewis River is home to PacifiCorp’s largest hydroelectric facilities, providing customers with emission-free, renewable energy. PacifiCorp, through Pacific Power, serves electric customers in Oregon, Washington and California.

As part of its federal license to operate these hydroelectric projects, PacifiCorp also maintains 14 public parks and day-use facilities along the three Lewis River reservoirs as well as sites downstream of Merwin Dam.

Facilities include 304 campsites and 268 picnic sites, fresh drinking water, hot showers, swimming beaches, boat ramps, restrooms and RV sanitation stations. These parks can be found on State Highway 503 starting approximately 10 miles east of Woodland, Wash., continuing 40 miles upstream to Swift Forest Camp. Nearly a half million visitors a year make use of these facilities.

Keeping these facilities ready for visitors means constant investment and fees are dedicated to maintaining and operating the parks. PacifiCorp charges recreation fees to offset the costs of providing the following visitor services:

• Safety. PacifiCorp contracts with the Clark, Cowlitz and Skamania county sheriffs’ offices and a private security company for security patrols.
• On-site Park Host staff available seven days a week during the summer season to ensure a well-maintained safe and enjoyable experience for all customers.
• Year-round availability of the online reservation system
• Year-round reservation and customer support staff to assist guests with their recreation planning and customer service needs
• Off-season park maintenance staff to ensure the parks are well maintained and available for the public’s enjoyment.

Fee increases are as follows:

• Cresap Bay, Cougar and Beaver Bay. Camping fee per night will increase from $21 to $23. Group camping fees will also increase from $315 to $345 a night.
• Swift Forest Camp. Camping fee per night from $18 to $20
• A $1 increase for day use parking will be implemented at all Lewis River Parks, with the exception of Cougar Park due to fluctuating water levels and the resulting intermittent inaccessibility of the boat launch. New per day, per vehicle fees are:
  • Merwin Park: $2
  • Speelyai Bay Park: $4
  • Cresap Bay Park: $4
  • Saddle Dam Park: $4
  • Yale Park: $4
  • Beaver Bay Park: $4
  • Swift Forest Camp: $4
  • Cougar Park: day use fees to remain at $3 per vehicle

• A $2 per vehicle per night increase for the PacifiCorp-managed dispersed camping sites on Yale and Swift Reservoirs, bringing the overnight parking fee up to $7 per vehicle, per night.

• The Annual Peak Season Day Use Parking Pass will be raised from $20 to $30.

“We wanted to let our guests know about these necessary fee increases as soon as possible so they can make their recreation plans with all the information available,” said Jessica Kimmick, recreation manager at PacifiCorp. “We understand that any fee change can be difficult. These adjustments allow us to cover the costs for maintaining these facilities and uphold the quality standards our visitors expect and deserve.”