Recreational areas along PacifiCorp reservoirs on Lewis River reopen for season before Memorial Day weekend

PORTLAND, Ore. —With the summer recreation season beckoning, PacifiCorp will reopen the recreation areas along its Lewis River reservoirs east of Woodland, Wash., consistent with current COVID-19 guidelines for social distancing.

To reserve a campsite, go to pacificorp.com/recreation. For more information, call 503-813-6666 or email recreation@pacificorp.com.

Of special note is the reopening of the Saddle Dam Park for day use and dispersed camping parking the Friday before Memorial Day through Labor Day, 2021. The park had been closed for the duration of the 2020 season to perform engineering investigations. There may be future closures in 2022-23 and PacifiCorp will advise accordingly.

A tradition of recreation

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, although the availability of some facilities may be limited by state COVID-19 guidelines. 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.