Fishermen's Bend Celebrating 50th Anniversary

Activities include the Annual Water Fight at the Cottonwoods Ball Field.

Fisherman's Bend Recreation Site east of Salem, and two miles west of Mill City, is celebrating 50 years of providing family friendly camping to generations of campers this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Photo Courtesy: BLM.gov

(MILL CITY, Ore. ) - Fisherman's Bend Recreation Site east of Salem, and two miles west of Mill City, is celebrating 50 years of providing family friendly camping to generations of campers this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Nestled along a forested curve of the North Santiam River, Fishermen's Bend site is popular with both families and large groups.

The area offers family camps, picnic sites, group shelters, cabins, and river access trails. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along a one-mile nature trail that offers views of the North Santiam River and wetland habitats. A nature center and an amphitheater provide information and programs for visitors.

Activities celebrating the event include:

Friday:

9:00 p.m. -- "What's Around The Bend" -- Interpretive video of the recreational opportunities at Fish Bend.

Saturday:

2:00 p.m. Annual Water Fight at the Cottonwoods Ball Field

8:00 p.m. -- History of Fish Bend/Santiam Canyon by long-time Fish Bend Manager J. Grant.

Sunday:

10:00 to 2:00 p.m. -- Classic Car Cruise at the Firs Group Site.

Built in 1964, Fishermen’s Bend Recreation Site has hosted thousands of campers over the years.

A popular site for reunions, families come back to Fish Bend year after year. “When I arrived at the park in 1978, the fee to camp overnight was $3,” said longtime manager Jay Grant. “The first campground host joined us in 1981. Volunteers have made a huge difference in how well we can serve the public and take care of the park,” Grant said.

Grant added that over the years, many improvements have been made, but what has not changed is that Fish Bend has helped many thousands of people make memories with their children, grandchildren and great grand children.

2014 Site Fees Are:

Individual Campsites - $16 - $28

cabins - $40

Group Campsites - $85 - $105

Group Picnic Sites - $110

Reservations at www.recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777