This small BLM-managed campground, shaded by tall Douglas-firs and red-cedars, includes one handicapped-accessible campsite. A small day-use area across the road gives views of Sharps Creek with chances to see American Dipper and Harlequin Duck. Try your luck panning for gold, or listen for Golden-crowned Kinglet along with nesting Pacific-slope Flycatcher, Winter Wren, Varied and Swainson’s Thrushes, Black-throated Gray, Wilson’s and MacGillivray’s Warblers, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. This makes a good base camp for exploring the lush riparian habitats of the historic mining district to the south. Pay careful attention to signs to avoid trespassing on the many private claims in the area, where small-scale gold mining and panning still occurs.
To continue loop route from Snow Peak (Site B4), go E 2 mi to junction with Rock Creek Rd, which comes in from S. Here Big River Rd becomes Clark Creek Rd. Continue E, then NE and downhill on Clark Creek Rd for 9.3 mi to intersection with Martin Creek Rd (GPS 43 34.586 N, 122 44.961 W, elevation 1650 ft). Bear L and continue 0.7 mi to intersection with Sharps Creek Rd. Turn L and go 7 mi to campground. Alternatively from upper end of Dorena Reservoir (Site B8) go SE on Row River Rd for 4 mi, turn R on Sharps Creek Rd and go 3 mi to campground on R. GPS 43 39.957 N, 122 48.460 W.
