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Carmen-Smith Recreation Area Reopens After 9-Year Closure
The popular outdoor destination near Eugene, Oregon will welcome visitors again starting May 1st.
Mar. 31, 2026 at 11:03am by Ben Kaplan
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The long-awaited reopening of the Carmen-Smith recreation area will restore public access to a beloved natural oasis along the McKenzie River.Eugene TodayAfter being shuttered for nearly a decade, the Carmen-Smith recreation area managed by the Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) is set to reopen to the public on May 1st, 2026. The sprawling network of dams, reservoirs, trails, campgrounds, and waterfalls near the headwaters of the McKenzie River had been closed since 2017 for infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.
Why it matters
The Carmen-Smith area is a beloved outdoor destination for residents of Eugene and the surrounding region, offering hiking, camping, and scenic natural attractions. Its reopening will restore access to these recreational amenities after a prolonged closure, providing a boost to the local tourism economy and allowing the public to reconnect with this natural oasis.
The details
EWEB's Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project encompasses three dams, two power-generating plants, and a variety of recreational facilities including hiking trails, three campgrounds, two day-use areas, and three waterfalls. The utility closed much of the area in 2017 to undertake necessary infrastructure upgrades and maintenance work, but is now ready to welcome visitors back to enjoy the natural splendor of the region.
- EWEB closed the Carmen-Smith recreation area in 2017.
- The area will reopen to the public on May 1, 2026.
The players
Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB)
The municipal utility that manages the Carmen-Smith Hydroelectric Project and the surrounding recreation area.
What’s next
EWEB is expected to hold a grand reopening celebration on May 1st to mark the return of public access to the Carmen-Smith recreation area.
The takeaway
The reopening of the Carmen-Smith recreation area represents a win for outdoor enthusiasts in the Eugene area, who will once again be able to enjoy hiking, camping, and exploring the natural beauty of this scenic destination along the McKenzie River.
