Looking for a lake or stream to hike up to.

[Fattie]

Hello again! Just like the subject says, I'm looking for a lake or stream to hike up to. I want to primitive camp overnight, and cook what i catch. I am willing to drive a couple hours, and live near Eugene. I'm not very active.. so I'm looking for a reasonable distance, no more than a couple miles.
Does anyone have any recommendations?
Thanks in advance!

Ps
Bear country is fine, I'll have a sidearm and bear spray

 

[Fattie]

I have found a few places online. i would still like input though. If you don't want to blow up a spot, but you like me well enough, please PM me. I'm a respectful guy.
Thanks again!
https://myodfw.com/articles/fishing-oregons-hike-lakes

 

[Fattie]

https://www.hikeoregon.net/top-one-night-backpacking-trips-in-oregon.html

 

[Fattie]

Fwiw, I'm not particularly interested in hatchery fish for this venture. I'm really hoping to enjoy some amazing wild bounty.

 

[Echskech]

Salmon Cr. Out of Oakridge would be a good spot. High fish per mile, good roadside access and wadeability, and decent camping off logging roads #024 and up.

 

[BrandonBeach]

Salmon Cr. Out of Oakridge would be a good spot. High fish per mile, good roadside access and wadeability, and decent camping off logging roads #024 and up.

If open, I would second this.

 

[troutdude]

From the 2020 reg book, page 47:

Salmon Creek and Tributaries (Middle Fork Willamette River)
Open all year.
• 2 wild trout per day, 8 inch minimum length.
• 5 hatchery trout per day, no minimum length.
• Use of bait allowed Apr 22 - Oct 31.

 

[Fattie]

That sounds awesome! I'll check it out, thanks!

 

[Fattie]

I'm also thinking about a couple days up Duffy and Santiam lakes...

 

[newfydog]

Bear country is fine, I'll have a sidearm and bear spray

So, if you don't carry that stuff, maybe you can hike a bit farther..... "human-bear incidents are rare in the state, according to officials. There have only been four previously reported incidents in the state since 1988, none of them fatal, ODFW said"

 

[Fattie]

So, if you don't carry that stuff, maybe you can hike a bit farther..... "human-bear incidents are rare in the state, according to officials. There have only been four previously reported incidents in the state since 1988, none of them fatal, ODFW said"

I respect your perspective, but personally I'd rather have protection and not need it than need protection and not have it. Besides, bear spray and firearms serve as deterrents and protection against cougars and meth heads (the latter being substantially more likely) as well.

 

[Echskech]

That sounds awesome! I'll check it out, thanks!

Let us know how it goes and how the meal turns out after you go OFF on your trip.

 

[Fattie]

Probably going to have to wait till next year. The wife is understandably worried about me on a solo trip. Still crossing my fingers a friend agrees in time though...

 

[Fattie]

That'll give me some time to get used to hiking, at least

 

[Troutski]

Salmon Cr. Out of Oakridge would be a good spot. High fish per mile, good roadside access and wadeability, and decent camping off logging roads #024 and up.

I agree, this is a place you can camp, fish and eat what you catch. Absolutely a great place...

Chuck

 

[troutdude]

Let us know how it goes and how the meal turns out after you go OFF on your trip.

Bonus points for your use of OFF in your reply! ;-)