Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs Cleanup - Earth Day (2025)

The Breitenbush Alliance welcomes you to the Earth Day weekend to clean up Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs, Short Lake, and Cleator Bend Day Use Area

• Earth Day weekend is April 18th, 19th, 20th. The cleanup day is Sat. April 19.
• We welcome you to come prepared and camp Friday night or the entire weekend.
• Campfires in fire rings are allowed at the campground. Bring firewood.
• Event Organizers will camp at Cleator Bend Group Campground starting Friday, April 18th at 3 pm. The campground closes on Monday, April 21st at 10 am.
• We appreciate any extra help you can provide throughout the weekend beyond the SOLVE minimum of two hours. You can register in advance or on the day of the event.

• SOLVE registrants can camp for free at Cleator Bend Group Campground. After registering, contact  Friends of the Breitenbush Cascades at 503-897-8575 or friends@breitenbushcascades.org to reserve a campsite.
• Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat & Conference Center has provided 15 free passes for hot spring soaking and prepared meals at the Breitenbush Lodge by committing to volunteer for the entire Saturday cleanup project. After registering with SOLVE, contact Friends of the Breitenbush Cascades at 503-897-8575 or friends@breitenbushcascades.org to reserve the pass.
• Advance registration for camping, soaking, and meals closes at the end of the day, April 16. You can continue registering at SOLVE or on the day of the event.
• On the event day, we will have a check-in table on Saturday, April 19th, starting at 9 am and closing at 11 am at the intersection of 46 and FR 2231.
• Volunteer work begins nearby at 10:15 am at the Cleator Bend picnic area.

• Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs is adjacent to Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat & Conference Center.
• The Lower Breitenbush Hot Springs site is located on public lands administered by Detroit Ranger District, Willamette National Forest.
• Breitenbush River is in the Adopt-A-River listing by the Oregon Marine Board & SOLVE.
• Short Lake is stewarded through the Cascade Volunteers Love-Your-Lake initiative.

• Driving directions from Detroit, OR: Turn north from OR-22 onto Highway 46 for approximately 10 miles. Continue to the Cleator Bend parking area.
• Driving directions from Estacada: Take Oregon Route 224 to Ripplebrook, and turn onto the Clackamas River Road (NF 46) for approximately 43 miles to the Cleator Bend area. 

SOLVE defines some cleanup areas as sites with a high concentration of litter that poses a threat to public safety and environmental quality. This cleanup is not family-friendly or suitable for anyone under the age of 18 due to an increased presence of hazardous materials. Safety guidelines will be put in place before the cleanup begins.

At this event, you may encounter or be exposed to the following elements:

• Close proximity to active unhoused communities.
• Close proximity to abandoned unhoused encampments.
• The presence of used hypodermic needles among the garbage.
• Other hazardous materials such as bio-waste.

Advanced Registration: Is highly suggested but not required. Please sign up (green button below) ahead of time to guarantee your spot.

Meeting Location: The Event sign-in table will be in the Cleator Bend area located at the intersection of 46 and FS 2231 on the Clackamas-Breitenbush Scenic Byway. 44°46'40"N 121°59'51"W

Address: 53000 Breitenbush Road Breitenbush, OR 97342 | Map Link

What to Bring: Please wear closed-toed shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, and bring a backpack for hands-free convenience. Feel free to bring your personal tools if available and a reusable water bottle to support our sustainability efforts.

What's Provided: Volunteer on Saturday, April 19th, and enjoy the area on Friday, April 18, and Sunday, April 20.

Restrooms: There is a clean pit vault toilet available at Cleator Bend Group Campground.

Parking: Gravel parking lots

Transit: Not available nearby

Accessibility: This area may not be easily accessible for folks with mobility concerns.

Translation Services: There will not be a Spanish speaker present at this event.

Participant Age Guidelines: All Ages Welcome

Groups: If you'd like to register a group, please create a team first. For detailed instructions, review our Teams Guide.

Special thanks to our partners. This event is made possible by the Breitenbush Alliance, Breitenbush Hot Springs Retreat & Conference Center, Breitenbush Cabin Owners Association, Breitenbush Fire Department, and Friends of the Breitenbush Cascades. FBC's group Volunteer Service Agreement is through Cascade Volunteers, and the campground has been made available through Detroit Ranger District, Willamette National Forest. Additional thanks to Resilient Headwaters Coalition for its efforts to recover and improve recreational opportunities in the fire-impacted 22 and 46 travel corridors.