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I've e been to this area many times. I was first introduced over 40 years ago when I moved up here as a student attending college. Went hiking at the cabin you can rent there year round. It's changed somewhat since last time. Newer roof and other enhancements. Really cool view overlooking the river below. Quiet and secluded. Just remember that the bathroom is outdoors. Matsell natural area covers over 1900 acres. Plenty of hiking trails and campsites. There is a shooting range and hunting is permitted there so be aware of the signs and seasons. Parking is abundant. Wildlife everywhere. I visited the cabin, shooting range and nearby bridge/woods that day. I only visited a few hours. It would take a person at least a week to cover everything. I witnessed a person from Linn County conservation stopping by to clean up/take out/pick up trash that day. Ranger residence nearby. Nice place to get away from nearby cities. In my opinion this place is worth seeing.
This rustic cabin is a well kept secret. Shooting range is pretty nice for an outdoor range. We went with boy scouts on one of the cldest nights of the year. Wood stove kept us all plenty toasty. Just make sure to bring plenty of lanterns and flash lights.
Nice and quiet place to camp. $10 per tent per night, no limit on number of tents per site the back half of the sites start flooding when the river is at 10' at Shaw road
***Update sites are now $13 a site for the 2022 season. That is 2 tents, you can not pay extra for more tents, trust me I tried.***
We went foraging for mushrooms today and walked away with many clusters of yellow oysters, a handful of coral mushrooms which are very rare and we had a beautiful day with our son would love matzo bridge natural area
Beautiful fall/early November morning; great place to spend some time in the outdoors; this spot is on the north side where there are some wildlife habitat plots to help the birds out; there is a pit toilet at the 2nd to last north side parking area; commonly known as the parking area used by horse trailers, for those bringing their horses.
