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Crabtree Creek Com'ty Homestead

88%

· Lebanon, Linn, Oregon

Hosted by Michelle P.

The Community Homestead on Crabtree Creek is an 80-acre property, about halfway between Portland and Eugene, nestled at the bottom of the Cascade foothills on the east side of the Willamette Valley. Before we – Eric and Michelle – accepted the invitation to steward this land, it was in the same family for over 100 years, and has been largely untouched by human hands for decades. The first experience we had with this land was on a bright day in May, walking along the road near where you will arrive. We saw a fox at the edge of the meadow. It sat motionless across from us and then disappeared into the forest. We heeded its call come live where the forest and meadow meet, accepting that the land was to become a homestead dedicated to conservation and community benefit. Our family’s purpose is to nourish children and communities with wholesome food. To this end, we raise and butcher pastured meats using restorative agricultural practices. This is on the south portion of the property, which encompasses 20 acres of prime soils for pasture, orchards, and gardening. There are many native fruit trees and some feral domesticated varieties growing among the wild berries. We have a couple of options for camping and farm-stays on this side of the road. Most camping, however, is on the north side of the property. Here another 60 acres (part of which backs to BLM land if you’re up for a strenuous hike) straddle a splendid creek with endless hiking opportunities among cedars and cottonwoods at the bank up through the firs at the top of the hill. Trails are rustic but marked well, and extend onto the island. Yes, an island! It’s perfect for clothing-optional recreation and finding quiet and seclusion when you need to escape from a busy world. We hope the Community Homestead on Crabtree Creek becomes a place you and your loved ones will return to for years to come.

Activities

Fishing

Hiking

Paddling

Swimming

Natural features

Forest

River, stream, or creek

Swimming hole

Mountainous

Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp

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Reviews

88% Recommend8 ratings · 5 reviews

Teresa S.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2019

Peaceful camping on homestead

The Homestead on Crabtree Creek

We loved our stay! Eric was a very thoughtful host and the farm was very peaceful. Exactly as described - transforming an aging homestead property into a permaculture area at one with nature. One of the most relaxing weekends in a long time. We set up the tent without a rain fly in a field area with old growth apple trees surrounding us, went to sleep listening to crickets and star gazing. There is also a creek with beautiful large river rocks that made a nice walk or there’s a tent spot there too. Come here to ground yourself with nature and the land.

Diana S.

3 reviews

Recommends

· August 2019

The Homestead on Crabtree Creek

Private and relaxing! Eric helped guide us around the property when we first arrived, and from there, let us explore. We loved being able to walk the property and take in all the different views, from the creek to the family's chickens, ducks, pigs, and rabbits. We really appreciated the shelter that we could hitch our tent in, and it came in handy during the rainy nights. The outdoor shower was a lovely feature, as well as the outdoor kitchen where we could prep. The bonus of course, is all the blackberry picking!

Dan F.

64 reviews

Recommends

· September 2018

The Homestead on Crabtree Creek

A friend and I stayed here as the first day of a 12 day trip up the PNW coast. After arriving in the Eugene airport, we went straight to Michelle's property, and everything was perfect for a first night stay. The grounds were huge, with more space than we could explore in a day. The area we set up our tents in was soft and mostly flat - surrounded by plum trees and blackberries. Thick forests everywhere, visually reminding me of that scene from Star Wars where Yoda teaches Luke to lift rocks. While we were walking along the creek running through their property I'm pretty sure I saw a school of salmon run upstream (a bit too far away to get a photo though). Seriously an amazing introduction to the area. The hosts couldn't have been nicer people either. All in all, I wouldn't hesitate to come back and spend a whole day walking along the river.

Nolan B.

7 reviews

Recommends

· August 2018

The Homestead on Crabtree Creek

Really enjoyed this spot. Wild blackberries everywhere! There is a beautiful creek and a bunch of trails to enjoy. We camped underneath a thicket of plum trees! Michelle and her lovely family graciously provided snacks and waters after they heard whow far we had been traveling.

Krystal R.

4 reviews

Not recommend

· August 2018

The Homestead on Crabtree Creek

Infinite blackberries! Yum! We arrived and our hosts asked us what we were looking for in a site. Which is appropriate if there were designated sites. They had ample acreage, unfortunately it was all wild and overgrown with grass and thorns. We ended up pitching our tent in the middle of a pathway worn a bit from walking, but we still had to clear space for our tent to fit. Even so there were thorns that poked holes in the tent, and impossible to walk to and from. The family is very nice and eager to help, but in my opinion there should be designated or at least mowed and ready areas to camp.

Location

Lebanon, Linn, Oregon, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking