Philomath Sewage Ponds

Location

In order to gain access to these ponds, you will need to check in at the Philomath Public Works Building. From Hwy 34 in central Philomath, go south on 15th Street for 0.3 miles. Turn left on Willow Lane and round the corner to the Public Works building. Check in at the office for permission. To find the ponds from the Public Works Building, turn left (south) onto 15th St and travel 0.25 miles to a “T”. At the T, turn left onto Chapel. Stay on Chapel for 1.5 miles to a T at Bellfountain. Turn right (south) onto Bellfountain. Go south on Bellfountain for about 1 mile, crossing the Marys River in an S-curve, then heading south again. At this point the dikes of the ponds can be seen across the field to the right (west). Turn right off Bellfountain at a gate (often open) just before a row of tall trees intersects Bellfountain and follow those tall trees to the inner gate. (Thanks to Bill Tice and Jamie Simmons for these directions.)