Howard Buford Recreation Area wilderness guide
Recreation Area · OR

Howard Buford Recreation Area

Howard Buford Recreation Area is renowned for its diverse landscapes and offers a multitude of outdoor activities, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.

Recreation Area2,3634+ Trails

Designation

Recreation Area

Total Wilderness Area

2,363

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Howard Buford Recreation Area

Howard Buford Recreation Area is renowned for its diverse landscapes and offers a multitude of outdoor activities, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

The Howard Buford Recreation Area, located in Lane County, Oregon, forms part of Mount Pisgah. This area is a focal point for ecological diversity, offering habitats ranging from riparian forests and savannas to upland prairies and old-growth oak woodlands. Historically, the area has been a popular local spot for outdoor enthusiasts since its establishment, providing ample opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing, and learning about regional flora and fauna. The Howard Buford Recreation Area encompasses a wide array of trails, with several leading to Mount Pisgah, offering panoramic views of the Cascade Mountains and the Willamette Valley. The area's natural beauty and easy access make it a choice spot for both leisurely hikes and more challenging treks. Wildlife such as black-tailed deer and various bird species frequent the area, enhancing its appeal to visitors interested in biological diversity.

Field Guide · Recreation Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Howard Buford Recreation Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Mount Pisgah Summit Trail offering stunning valley views✦ Rich oak savanna and prairie ecosystems✦ Wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching along the river✦ Educational programs at the Mount Pisgah Arboretum
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Howard Buford Recreation Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Howard Buford Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Howard Buford Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Howard Buford Recreation Area
Park Recreation

Education Programs

Available in Howard Buford Recreation Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Howard Buford Recreation Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee, parking fee may apply

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Howard Buford Recreation Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Springfield, Oregon
⌖ 3.06 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Springfield, Oregon

Springfield offers outdoor lovers access to forest trails, river paddling, fishing, and birdwatching near the southern Willamette Valley. It’s a quiet basecamp close to Willamette National Forest and the scenic McKenzie River corridor.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Jasper, Oregon
⌖ 3.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Jasper, Oregon

Jasper, Oregon is a peaceful small town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and paddling surrounded by the lush Willamette National Forest.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Creswell, Oregon
⌖ 7.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Creswell, Oregon

Creswell, Oregon, is a peaceful town offering outdoor lovers river paddling, cycling, and hiking in the scenic Willamette Valley. Its quiet trails and nearby forest areas make it perfect for a relaxed nature escape.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Coburg, Oregon
⌖ 9.54 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coburg, Oregon

Coburg, Oregon, is a peaceful small town perfect for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hiking, road biking, and fishing near the Willamette Valley. Its rural setting and close access to forest and river trails offer a relaxed adventure base.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Dexter, Oregon
⌖ 10.38 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Dexter, Oregon

Dexter offers quiet access to Oregon’s water and forest adventures. Paddle Dexter Reservoir, enjoy peaceful hikes, and camp lakeside while soaking in the natural beauty of this lesser-known outdoor hub.

Late Spring to Early Fall
Explore Town
Lowell, Oregon
⌖ 11.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lowell, Oregon

Lowell, Oregon, is a quiet town on the shores of scenic reservoirs, perfect for paddling, fishing, and exploring forest trails. It’s a great basecamp for low-key outdoor adventures in the Oregon Coast Range foothills.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Howard Buford Recreation Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Two Days on the McKenzie: Rapids, Riverside Camps, and Night Skies
ADVEXPEDITION
McKenzie Bridge, Oregon
RaftingADV Bookable

Two Days on the McKenzie: Rapids, Riverside Camps, and Night Skies

A two-day overnight rafting trip on Oregon’s McKenzie River that pairs big-water excitement with gourmet meals, riverside campsites and optional upscale comforts — this guide distills what to expect and how to plan.

RaftingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip