Salmonberry Road

I've been running Salmonberry Road regularly, probably 6–12 times a year, and at this point it's become my go-to over Wolf Creek more often than not.

Location-wise, it's about 30 miles west of Hillsboro off Hwy 26, so still very accessible from the west side. I originally treated it as a backup to Wolf Creek, but it's proven to be more usable in practice.

The biggest advantage is options. There are three primary shooting areas as you head up the road, spaced out enough that if one is occupied, you can usually keep moving and find something workable. That alone solves one of the biggest issues with Wolf Creek, which is showing up and having no viable space.

I've run everything out there from
ARs
Mini-14
10/22
handguns
shotguns

It supports all of it, depending on where you set up. Lower areas are better suited for practical distances, while the upper pit gives you more room if you want to stretch things out.

Access and conditions are what you need to plan around.
This sits higher than Wolf Creek, so snow lingers longer and can limit how far up you can get, even with capable vehicles. I've been up there in a 4Runner, Tacoma, Outback, Crosstrek, and Highlander. Most of the time you're fine, but in winter or heavy mud, don't assume you're making it to the top.

Crowds are hit or miss. Weekdays are usually solid. Weekends can get busy, but having multiple sites helps spread people out.

That said, this is still a public spot.
Most people are fine, but occasionally you'll run into folks who aren't squared away on basic firearm safety. When that happens, I don't stick around. Not worth it.

Other notes
No cell service once you're in
Road is dirt but generally manageable
Conditions change fast with weather

Bottom line
Started as a backup to Wolf Creek, but I now prefer it because I can usually make it work. More flexibility, less waiting, and better odds of actually getting time behind the gun.

Just plan for weather, pay attention to who's around you, and be ready to move if needed.

I have generally been able to find a site here unoccupied 1/2 the time when Wolf Creek shooting range (2 miles closer to Hillsboro) was full.
There are three sites safely usable, the first one about 0.5 mile off hwy 26, Second site about 0.8 mile, and the third site is a gravel pit about 2.3 miles even further up the mountain. You can see these on google maps, they show up as bare brown spots in the otherwise green forested satelite view. This is high enough altitude that it is above the snow level. A couple of times in winter I have been unable to get further than the first site even with my 4x4 Suburban. One time I put chains on and felt confident because my old Burb chained up back in SE Idaho could literally drive out in my field in deep show. But on Salmonberry road you have to remember it is up hill all the way and that make a big difference! The other day I had to backup 1/4 mile because I couldn't turn around anywhere and my Suburban would go no further.

I enjoy going here. People are pretty respectful. The first lower pot is almost always muddy but manageable. The second pit further up is not very long.
The top most pit has some good long lanes and is more like Tillamooks quarry.

As always leave it nicer than you found it. Respect our shooting ranges!

Not a bad spot if you're looking for something easily accessible from Portland's west suburbs. Only about 35-40 minutes.

Well maintained for the most part. Will be back when the weather is consistently decent.

so this is the 2nd new place i visited from the forum

just down the road from wolf creek, 40 min out of town either way (seaside, hillsboro/beaverton) @ milepost 32 on sunset highway. the market 10 miles east sells ammo so you can restock if needed.

coordinates lead to a place deeper in the forest but it was snowed out so i didnt go. salmonberry road itself is a dirt road but its in good shape with a couple pot holes here and there. ended up on a shorter lane right at the beginning of salmonberry after driving 10 min to avoid snow and turning around. its the first lane with a little pond on salmonberry.

you COULD get long range going if you wanted to but its MAYBE too small for that. for me (pistols) it was plenty of space. got there early but there was already a group of people-- we shared room for a little bit before i carried on my way.

really only downside is not having cell service. but you just drive back 15 miles and it picks back up. typical and is to be expected so it doesnt take any stars away, just something to be aware of.