Facility Overview
The Blodgett Park and Ride (officially recognized across regional transit networks as the Highway 20 and 180 Park & Ride) is a vital commuter staging facility located in the unincorporated community of Blodgett within Benton County, Oregon. Positioned directly at the junction of US Highway 20 and Oregon Route 180 (Summit Highway), this facility features a spacious open-air surface lot designed to accommodate 30+ passenger vehicles. Because it is a completely uncovered surface lot, there are no overhead height barriers or vertical clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally accommodating for full-size pickup trucks, SUVs with kayak or bicycle roof racks, high-roof conversion vans, and rural service vehicles that frequently travel through the Oregon Coast Range.
Prime Location & Nearby Attractions
Situated midway between the central Oregon Coast and the Willamette Valley, the Blodgett Park and Ride serves as an essential waypoint and meeting hub for outdoor recreationists and commuters alike. Directly opposite the lot along US Highway 20 sits the historic Blodgett Country Store, offering fresh coffee, snacks, convenience items, and local provisions. The lot is an ideal springboard for road cyclists and gravel riders touring the scenic Marys River watershed, Eddyville backroads, and the Marys Peak recreation area. For motorists commuting east, downtown Philomath is roughly a 15-minute drive (12 miles) and downtown Corvallis—home to Oregon State University (OSU) and Reser Stadium—is only 20 minutes away (17 miles). Heading west, coastal travelers can reach Toledo (25 miles) and the Newport oceanfront (32 miles) in under 40 minutes.
Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity
Accessing the lot is straightforward via direct ingress and egress points along US Highway 20 and Oregon Route 180. The entrance accommodates two-way traffic with wide aprons suitable for larger utility vehicles. The lot is an integral stop in the Cascades West Ride (CW Ride) and regional commuter carpool network, supporting rideshare programs linking Lincoln County coastal communities with employment centers in Benton and Linn counties. Drivers merging back onto US Highway 20 should exercise caution during early morning and late afternoon commute hours, as traffic between the coast and Corvallis moves at highway speeds.
Facility Amenities & Key Features
- Paved open-air surface parking with marked standard stalls and wide driving aisles.
- Unlimited overhead vertical clearance suitable for tall vehicles, commercial pickups, and roof racks.
- Direct walking access across the road to the Blodgett Country Store for food and beverage purchases.
- Designated ADA-accessible parking spaces.
- Safe 24/7 drive-in access for flexible shift commuters and early morning coastal departures.
- Complimentary public commuter parking with no gate fees, meters, or permit requirements.
Ideal For
- Daily commuters and rideshare groups carpooling between coastal towns and Corvallis/Albany.
- Oregon State University (OSU) faculty, staff, and students traveling from rural Benton or Lincoln County.
- Outdoor adventurers, hikers, and cyclists meeting up for rides through the Coast Range and Marys Peak corridors.
- Coast-bound weekend travelers consolidating vehicles before navigating highway passes.
Visitor & Driver Tips
Because the lot operates on a first-come, first-served basis without reservation systems or parking fees, spaces fill quickly during peak weekday morning carpool hours (typically between 6:30 AM and 8:00 AM). While the lot is generally quiet and safe, it is located in a rural corridor with minimal overnight lighting, so remember to lock your vehicle, roll up windows, and avoid leaving visible valuables or gear inside. During winter months, monitor Oregon Department of Transportation (TripCheck) road reports, as temperatures in the Coast Range corridor around Blodgett can dip below freezing, leading to localized frost or black ice on highway approaches.
