Metro Area to Walterville
Milepost 10.5: Cedar Flat: The gateway to the McKenzie Valley. This area was once home to early McKenzie pioneer Samuel Sparks, who also homesteaded in the Blue River area, 30 miles to the east. In the late 1800's this thriving community on the McKenzie's south bank was sited in the hills at the end of Cedar Flat Road. It is located less than one mile from the first historic river crossing, Hendricks Ferry, now Hendricks Bridge. Groceries, gas, deli foods, drive-through espresso, and auto repairs may be obtained in Cedar Flat.
MP 11.4: Hendricks Bridge: Built in 1908 it was the longest covered bridge in Oregon. Although reconstructed twice, it was never covered again. It sits to the south of the old Hendricks river ferry site, which was run by another pioneer family in the valley.
MP 11.6: Hendricks Wayside Park: This property was donated to the state in 1932. It includes 17 acres of lovely riverside land with a boat landing, picnic sites, a wonderful, roped-off swimming area and flush toilets. This park is a day-use only area and is part of a fee system. Just east of here is a great place to pick up locally grown fruits, nuts, and vegetables.
MP 12.5: Walterville: This community was named after Walter Millican, son of a pioneer family whose descendents have lived in the area since the 1860's. The Millican Century Farm is located at mp 13 and is open for viewing by appointment only. Another historic building, the George Millican Memorial Hall, is at the east end of Camp Creek Road, behind the Walterville Shopping Center. Walterville Pond, just east of the center on the EWEB canal, is a good spot to catch bass. The Presbyterian church is located near the canal. This community is the home of the only shopping center in the Valley - it includes a restaurant, supermarket, post office, and a feed store. Just to the west of the center, the McKenzie Fire Station is located on Millican Drive.
Camp Creek Road runs behind the shopping center to the southwest. This rural roadway will take you back to Springfield and I-5. Bellinger Boat Landing is located on this road. Camp Creek flows into the McKenzie River between Thurston and Walterville. There are two stories about how the area was named. One story relates that pioneers found an Indian camp near the stream, which they called Chaston. Another story says the stream was named because a party of pioneers chasing Indian stock thieves camped there. Camp Creek post office was established July 12, 1871, with William Pattison, Jr. first postmaster. This office was closed to Springfield, Sept. 15, 1922.
