Explore Quartzville Creek Wild and Scenic River, Oregon

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Quartzville Creek begins in the Cascade Mountain Range of Oregon. The 12-mile section that was designated in 1988 flows into Green Peter Reservoir near the town of Sweethome. Classified as a recreational section of river, Quartzville Creek is named for the gemstone that has been mined in the area and a ghost town that was once the center of two brief gold mining efforts (1863-1892). The Quartzville Back Country Byway parallels the winding river, offering views of old-growth forests and wildlife, and provides easy access to developed and undeveloped picnic and camping sites The corridor offers a variety of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, camping and boating for skilled whitewater paddlers. Quartzville Creek offers a 'bucket list' experience for Class IV whitewater boaters (primarily kayaking) when flows are high. Recreational mining attracts visitors from within and outside of the region who can experience a part of Oregon's mining history as they pan for gold. Late summer pulls locals and other visitors to the Quartzville area in search of wild berries. Four varieties (red, bigleaf, oval leaf, and Alaska) of huckleberries can be found in this area. Openings in old growth forests nurture good berry patches, but don’t overlook older harvest units where bushes grow dense from deer and elk browsing.

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