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Recreation AreaRecreation.gov

Row River Trail

Cottage Grove, Oregon · Lane County

This 14-mile, paved, multi-use National Recreation Trail follows the route of the now-abandoned Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, along the scenic shores of the Row (rhymes with "cow") River and Dorena Reservoir. There are many trailheads and places to stop and enjoy views of Dorena Lake and the surrounding farm …

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About Row River Trail

This 14-mile, paved, multi-use National Recreation Trail follows the route of the now-abandoned Oregon Pacific & Eastern Railroad line, along the scenic shores of the Row (rhymes with "cow") River and Dorena Reservoir. There are many trailheads and places to stop and enjoy views of Dorena Lake and the surrounding farm country. Several quaint, covered bridges are located nearby, as is the historic Bohemia Mining Area, which features remnants of late 1800s gold mines. The trestle bridge at Harms Park is one of several locations immortalized on the silver screen. Movies filmed along the railway include Stand By Me with River Phoenix, Emperor of the North with Ernest Borgnine, and, in 1926, The General with Buster Keaton.Know Before You GoNo camping is allowed along the trail.No food or water is available on the trail. Several general stores are located in Cottage Grove, Dorena (across Row River Road from the trail), and Culp Creek (0.25 mile east on Row River Road).Parking and restroom facilities are located at 2- to 3-mile intervals along the trail.This Day Use area is open daily from dawn to dusk.Visitors should not enter old mine tunnels, which are both hazardous and located on private property.Point of InterestThe Mosby Creek Covered Bridge, located just off the trail, is a white bridge built in 1920. Extensive restoration work was completed in 1990. Row Point survives as a remnant of a native prairie community, featuring showy displays of wildflowers during spring.

How to Get There

From Eugene, take Interstate 5 south to the Cottage Grove exit (#174), and turn east onto Row River Road. Travel for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Layng Road and proceed 1.2 miles to the corner of Layng and Mosby Creek Roads.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Row River Trail

Heading to Row River Trail? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Row River Trail?

No central reservation system listed for Row River Trail. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/1752) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Row River Trail?

From Eugene, take Interstate 5 south to the Cottage Grove exit (#174), and turn east onto Row River Road. Travel for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Layng Road and proceed 1.2 miles to the corner of Layng and Mosby Creek Roads.

How do I contact Row River Trail?

You can reach the park at phone: 541-683-6600 or email: BLM_OR_NO_Mail@blm.gov.