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An ROTC cadet from Oregon State University places flags on the graves of military veterans at Crystal Lake Cemetery

May 9, 2026 in News

Benton County to honor veterans at Crystal Lake Cemetery

Benton County’s Natural Areas, Parks & Events Department is preparing for a Memorial Day tradition: placing flags on the graves of military veterans laid to rest at Crystal Lake Cemetery. Members of the Oregon National Guard will place U.S. flags on the graves as part of a ceremony at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 20.

Crystal Lake Cemetery is a historic pioneer cemetery, with roots dating back to 1860. The land was deeded to Corvallis Masonic Lodge #14 and has been managed by Benton County since 2001.

Today, the cemetery reflects the region’s history, with generations of Benton County individuals and families laid to rest there. These include military veterans who served in conflicts across the nation’s history.

“It’s a historic cemetery with almost every aspect of our county’s history represented, including the veterans who were laid to rest here,” said Shane Galloway, the County’s Natural Areas, Parks & Events maintenance manager. “We manage this with a very small budget, and it takes quite a bit of work. Volunteers spend hundreds of hours each year helping care for the site.”

County staff and volunteers work year-round to maintain the grounds, ensuring the stories and service of those buried there are remembered.

This Memorial Day, the flag placement serves as a visible reminder of service and sacrifice, connecting the community to its past while honoring those who served.

Watch a drone flyover of Crystal Lake Cemetery | View photos from Memorial Day 2023

February 4, 2025 in BC ProjectsProject

Hubert K. McBee Park and Campground Improvements

The historic Hubert K. McBee Campground was generously donated to Benton County by the Hull Oakes Lumber Company through the generous support of the Alliance for Recreation Areas.

These generous donations/support were the first step in developing plans for repairs and improvements The campground is currently closed to the public for camping through 2025. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, as the planning and public outreach work is completed leading to first phase construction in 2026.

Is there funding for planning and projects?

Benton County Natural Areas, Parks, and Events was successful in being awarded funding from the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department- Local Government Grant program during 2024. The total grant award is $645,000 and includes parks planning, engineering, and construction/rehabilitation of park improvements after a planning/public outreach process. The project consulting contract was awarded to David Evans & Associates, providing a team to support planning and design with public outreach support.

What repairs and improvements are part of the 2025 planning process?

The campground closure will allow for planning to focus on several important projects, including:

  • Upgrading the campground’s infrastructure: This includes repairing roads and trails, improving campsite amenities, and installing new toilet facilities and a well to add on-site water.
  • Enhancing the park and campground layout to achieve development goals.

What does this mean for you?

  • Day use is still available! Although overnight camping will not be permitted in 2025, the campground will still be open for day use. This means you can enjoy picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, and other recreational activities.
  • We will keep you updated: We will be providing regular updates on the progress of the planning project to inform repairs and improvements planned for 2026. You can stay informed by checking our website, signing up for our email list, or following us on social media.
  • We appreciate your understanding: We know that closing the campground for overnight camping is a significant change, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to make Hubert K. McBee an even better place for everyone.

The needed improvements will make Hubert K. McBee Campground an even more valuable public park and a better place to explore the recreational riches of Benton County.

Thank you for your continued support of Hubert K. McBee Campground.

Additional Information

  • For more information in coming months about the closure, please visit our website and bookmark our page here.
  • You can sign up for our email list to receive updates here.
  • Follow us on Facebook and the Benton County Instagram page.
  • Want to make a gift to help restore Hubert K McBee park? Donate to our support organization Association for Recreation and Natural Areas (AFRANA) here.

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