Carmen-Smith Recreation Sites Open May 1
After nine years of closure, Carmen-Smith recreation sites on the Upper McKenzie River will reopen to the public on May 1, offering campers, hikers, and day visitors access to newly renovated facilities.
The USDA Forest Service and Linn County Parks will officially re-open the sites for public use on May 1.
Campsites at Trail Bridge Campground will be available for booking on Recreation.gov starting on April 1. The first reservable date is May 14.
EWEB provides recreational opportunities as part of its federal license to operate the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project. The project includes three dams and two power plants that provide roughly 6-9% of Eugene's electricity needs depending on the water year.
The improvements represent a $10.8 million investment in public recreation infrastructure along the Upper McKenzie River, negotiated as part of a broad licensing agreement developed with fisheries and wildlife management agencies, environmental groups, Native American tribes, and recreational organizations. The new 40-year operating license, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, allows EWEB to operate the carbon-free hydroelectric facility through at least 2059.
"This work reflects our commitment to the community and responsible stewardship of our hydroelectric projects. We are very excited to welcome recreators back to these special places,” said License Deployment Supervisor Patty Boyle.
The licensing process also includes significant investments in natural resource projects to protect fish and wildlife habitat, and in the hydroelectric facility itself.
The project’s three reservoirs manage water to balance generation and fisheries needs. Each reservoir has multiple amenities, including hiking trails, viewing platforms, and boat ramps.
Carmen-Diversion Reservoir (OR Hwy. 126 Mile Post 5.6)
The Carmen-Diversion Reservoir is one-quarter mile downstream of Koosah Falls. The reservoir diverts water from the McKenzie River through a tunnel to the Smith Reservoir.
Recreation sites and improvements at the Carmen Diversion Reservoir include:
- Ice Cap Campground: open since 2019; reservations available on Recreation.gov
- Carmen Diversion Day-Use Area:new visitor pavilion, shelter and picnic benches; new universally accessible vault restrooms
- Zig-Zag Trail:improved trailhead area with new signage
- Beaver Marsh Trail:improved trailhead parking and walking trail to Beaver Marsh viewpoint
Smith Reservoir (OR Hwy. 126 Mile Post 10.6 to NF-730)
The Smith Reservoir stores water like a giant battery. It releases water through a tunnel down to the Carmen Powerhouse when EWEB decides to generate electricity – usually during peak hours to offset higher demand for electricity.
Recreation sites and improvements at the Smith Reservoir include:
- Smith Reservoir Day-Use Area: improved boat ramp, improved Shoreline Trail with new viewing platform and picnic tables
- Lakes End Campground (fourteen sites, only accessible by boat, first-come, first-serve): new picnic tables, fire-rings, kayak racks and new composting toilets
Trail Bridge Reservoir (OR Hwy. 126 Mile Post 10.6 to NF-730)
The Trail Bridge Reservoir is one mile downstream of the popular Blue Pool Trailhead. It provides capacity for water released from the Smith Reservoir. Water is returned to the McKenzie River via the Trail Bridge Powerhouse.
Recreation sites and improvements at the Trail Bridge Reservoir include:
- Trail Bridge Campground (open May 1 for first-come, first-serve; available for booking campsites April 1 on Recreation.gov for dates starting May 14): improved boat ramp; new universally accessible campsite; improved campsites and picnic tables throughout; new septic system and vault toilets
- Trail Bridge Day-Use Area: new visitors pavilion, fishing platform, vault toilets and picnic tables
The Carmen-Smith project is on land administered by the USDA Forest Service - Willamette National Forest. Linn County Parks operates most Willamette National Forest campgrounds across Linn County through a concessionaire permit. Anyone with questions about visiting these recreation sites should inquire online at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r06/willamette/recreation or by contacting the McKenzie River Ranger Station at (541) 822-3381.
Carmen-Smith recreation sites have been closed since 2017 to allow construction crews to operate safely while renovating the generating units at the Carmen Powerhouse.
In the coming weeks, site managers will be wrapping up recreation site cleanup since the December windstorm, testing all the facilities, and placing signage.
