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State Parks State Parks
Ainsworth State Park
Nestled in the awe-inspiring Columbia River Gorge, Ainsworth is equal parts waterfall wonderland, hiker's playground and camper's delight. Services provided: Camping, Tent, Full hookup, Primitive, Showers, Dump station, Hiker/Biker, Picnicking, Wildlife watching, Walking trail, Hiking trail, Special events, Nature programs, Interpretive events, Forest, Waterways, Rock formations, Mountains, Waterfalls, Historic resources, Historic trails, Interpretation, Evening programs, Restrooms. For information call: (503)695-2301
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Alfred A. Loeb State Park
Your first impression of Loeb may well be the scent of the myrtlewood forest, a crisp, bay leaf aroma. The park is nestled in a grove of these lovely trees. Many of the trees in the park are well over 200 years old. The Chetco River swirls and dances just beyond the park. Several campsitesites and three rental cabins face the river. During the year, you can fish, swim and raft, or just walk a self-guided streamside nature trail. The river offers some of the finest fall and winter salmon and steelhead fishing on the south coast. You can bank fish from the gravel bar or use a drift boat. Throughout spring and summer, you may see scampering chipmunks, hear chirping osprey or see a family of river otters frolicking in the water. For information call: (541)469-2021
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Cape Lookout State Park
Cape Lookout State Park can be reached by traveling an hour and a half west of Portland through the scenic Wilson River pass. Along the way, stop and enjoy waterfalls, scenic views and some great fishing. A popular campground and day-use area, Cape Lookout is located on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the ocean, giving you a terrific view of the ocean with easy access to the beach. Beachcombing is popular here, and the park is reputedly a good place to find glass floats. More than eight miles of hiking and walking trails wind through a lush old-growth forest. The Cape Lookout trail follows the headland for more than 2 miles. A bench is located at the end of the trail. Enjoy the view! You might see a whale or two and along with other wildlife. Two walking trails -- a nature trail and the Jackson Creek trail -- are perfect for a shorter jaunt. The nature trail gives you a close-up view of native trees and other plants. Numbered markers are keyed to a trail guide. The Jackson Creek trail starts with an interpretive panel describing the local salmon restoration project. Be sure to look up when you visit this park ... hang gliders and paragliders fill the air with colorful wings as they catch thermals and rise to dizzying heights. Along with Cape Kiwanda and Cape Meares, Lookout is part of the Three Capes Scenic Route. For information call: (503)842-4981
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Guy W. Talbot State Park
Guy Webster Talbot and his family used this property as a summer estate until 1929 when they donated it to the state. Today, it's a beautiful picnic park. A modern picnic shelter is available for rent (and is reservable).While the park is terrific for a group or family picnic, the park is often uncrowded even on the best days because of its seclusion. A gently sloping grassy hill dotted with Port Orfard cedars, Douglas firs, alders and maples invites Frisbee tossing and quiet relaxation. For information call: (800)551-6949
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Hat Rock State Park
Hat Rock State Park, located off U.S. Highway 730 nine miles east of Umatilla, lies on the south shore of Lake Wallula behind McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Hat Rock was the first distinctive landmark passed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition on their journey down the Columbia, and is one of the few remaining sites not underwater. The park is a desert oasis surrounded by rolling sagebrush hills and out croppings of basalt. The park offers visitors a chance to escape summer heat under shelter of cottonwood, black locust ringed by acres of green grass. A boat ramp provides access to the lake, which is noted for walleye, sturgeon and other fish. Waterskiing, jetskiing, swimming and boating are popular here. The park has its own pond -- stocked with rainbow trout -- and provides year-round habitat for waterfowl. Bring the kids, enjoy a day on the water, fish in the pond or play volleyball in the sand court. Hat Rock offers the opportunity to get out and enjoy nature with spacious, well-maintained grounds that offer lots of room for your family or large group to get together for outdoor recreation fun. For information call: (800)551-6949
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Camping and Hiking in
Beachside State Recreation Site
A few miles south of Waldport and north of Yachats on the central coast, this small, exquisite destination campground is right along side miles of broad, sandy beach. Tent and electric sites accommodate one vehicle per site. Every site is mere seconds from the beach, which makes the park perfect for watching storms, sunsets and whales. This is a popular winter camping park. Beachside is an excellent mid-point stop as you take a jaunt on the coast. Within 30 miles in either direction, you'll find visitor centers, tide pools, hiking and driving tours, three lighthouses, crabbing, clamming, fishing, aquaria and science centers. 32 electrical, 50 tent (maximum site 30 feet); 2 yurts; hiker/biker camp. For information call: (800)551-6949
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Cove Palisades State Park
The Cove Palisades State Park is central Oregon's year-round recreational destination for the entire family. Located in Oregon's high desert region, the weather is sunny and warm in the summer months and chilly but generally mild in the winter. The park is situated among towering cliffs that surround beautiful Lake Billy Chinook. The park features myriad water recreational opportunities, a full-service campground, store, restaurant, marina and rental services. Not interested in camping? Rustic lakeshore log cabins are available. Nature lovers will find nearly 10 miles of hiking trails that give access to areas rich in wildlife and splendid scenery. The park is home to two popular special events: the Lake Billy Chinook Day in September (a clean-up and festival) and the annual Eagle Watch in February. For information call: (800)551-6949
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Viento State Park
Appropriately enough for a park in the blustery Columbia River Gorge, the name Viento (pronounced Vee-EN-toe) is Spanish for wind. Just an odd coincidence, actually. In this case, the name comes from the first letters of three railroad tycoons (Villard, Endicott and Tollman) who put the first railroad in the area. Where a railroad station once stood is now the home of one of the Gorge's best kept secrets: Viento is a great place to camp! With modern campsites, Viento almost always has a spot available when other campgrounds in the area are full. No reservations are required. On weekends in the summer, rangers provide interpretive programs. A fully-accessible restroom is located here. Viento has a day-use area with easy access to the Columbia River and some of the best windsurfing in the Gorge. There's a great picnic area right next to a wonderful babbling creek (just right for skimming stones and soaking sore feet). A 1-mile trail from Viento to Starvation Creek takes you along a section of the Historic Columbia River Highway. Now a hiking trail, there hasn't been auto traffic here in more than 50 years. If you get a chance to visit, imagine an old Model-T twisting around the corners! For information call: (800)551-6949
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McIver State Park
Within this little-known gem, you can spend a day or a week exploring the river, forest and fields. River-lovers can challenge the sometimes wild (but always picturesque) Clackamas river with rafts, canoes or kayaks. Preferring to stay dry? You can hike, or ride a horse (No horse? Rent one at the park). Still too sweaty for you? Spend a lazy afternoon playing the 18-hole disc golf course. Discs for putting and driving are available at the park. If you're planning a special gathering, reservable picnic sites with a shelter are available. If you just need to get away for awhile, individual and group camp sites are waiting for you. While staying at McIver during the summer, we have family-oriented interpretive programs -- from guided hikes to nature crafts. An annual civil war re-enactment occurs every April. Over 300 actors participate. As you have found. McIver State Park offers something for everyone. See you there! For information call: (800)551-6949
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Deschutes River State Recreation Area
The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a tree-shaded overnight oasis for campers. The sparkle-laden, swift green rush of the Deschutes converges with the Columbia here, and there's no better place for family outing activities like hiking, biking, swimming, camping, rafting, world-class steelhead and trout fishing and equestrian trail riding. Spring comes early in the Deschutes canyon, painting the walls of the canyon green for a few months each year before heat begins to build in June, turning the vegetation a golden shade of brown. The canyon is sheltered and warmer than you might think; the first wildflowers break from winter's grip in late February. The early season brings a full fantasia of blooms on the canyon walls through June. What a great escape from the rainy weather. The Atiyeh Deschutes River Trail at river level is a favorite jaunt for hikers on hot summer days. You just can't beat the cool river and the shade of white alder and birch trees (and while you're resting, look for the hanging basket-type nests built by the orioles). The Deschutes, which is both a national and state scenic waterway, drops about a quarter of a mile in its final 100 miles as it twists through canyons 700 to 2,200 feet deep. Great for days of fun whitewater rafting, kayaking, and inner-tubing. Heritage Landing is a popular jetboaters launch. It provides access to the Deschutes and Columbia Rivers. This is where river guides meet their clients, families gather to head out onto the Columbia River for salmon fishing or water skiing, and everyone collects to share the excitement of their big catch. Jetboating is allowed on the lower segment of the Deschutes River all year around except alternating weekends from June - September; boaters passes are required. The lower two miles of the Deschutes River is a PASS THROUGH zone for boaters. This provides fishing access for the many hike-up anglers that depart from Heritage Landing and use the river trails. For information call: (800)551-6949
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Hunting and Fishing in
Beverly Beach State Park
Beverly Beach is popular for a reason! Like magic, a well-known walkway goes under the highway and emerges to the long expanse of sandy beach extending from Yaquina Head (you can see the lighthouse from here) to the headlands of Otter Rock. When the weather cooperates, kites color the air and whip in the wind. Bring a bucket and build a sand castle! Surfers are often head to the north beach, while folks looking for fossils head south. A few steps from the ocean you'll find the forest-sheltered campground. Giant, wind-sculpted trees and nurse logs surround the campsites strung along pebbly Spencer Creek. The picnic area is a grassy, tree-lined spot protected from summer winds by a charming yurt group meeting hall. It's hard to believe all this is a few minutes drive from the Oregon Coast Aquarium, Yaquina Head and other prime attractions. Camping, ADA camping, Tent, Electric, Full hookup, Alternative, Showers, Dump station, Reservations, Hiker/Biker, ,Playgrounds, Picnicking, Fishing, Beach access, Walking trail, Interpretation, Interpretive, store. For information call: (541)265-9278
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Robert Straub State Park
Known locally as Bob Straub State Park, the park is located in Pacific City and provides beach access, parking, and restrooms. This is a nice place to go to walk on the beach and explore the Nestucca sand spit. The Nestucca River is legendary for 50 pound chinook salmon. For information call: (800)551-6949
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Bonnie Lure State Park
If you want to get off the beaten path, Bonnie Lure State Park along Eagle Creek provides a refreshing getaway. You may catch a rare glimpse of a pileated woodpecker or hook an elusive steelhead trout (otherwise known as a silver-sided freight train) on its way back to the hatchery. It could easily become your favorite day-trip destination. For information call: (800)551-6949
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Cascadia State Park
The first thing that strikes you when you arrive at Cascadia is the tranquillity. While the park is quite large, there are barely two dozen campsites, making this a great spot for an intimate getaway. The campground and east picnic area are open March- October. The west picnic area is open year-round. A pair of hiking trails give you a chance to explore the area. A .75 mile trail leads to the spectacular Soda Creek Falls. A newer trail ushers you through historic Douglas fir trees along the South Santiam River (a good place to fish and swim). Ruts from the historic Santiam Wagon Road are visible in the park (the trail was used as a military route in the 1800s). For information call: (800)551-6949
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La Pine State Park
If you want to immerse yourself in a subalpine pine forest where the air has that high-Cascades tang; to stay in a clean, quiet campground next to a twisting, cold river brimming with trout (and a nearby legendary fly fishing spot) and surrounded by miles of waiting-to-be-explored wilderness; to sit smack in the middle of dozens of high-mountain lakes (in winter, near some of the best ski-spots in the land); to see eagles or red-tailed hawks grabbing breakfast right in front of you; or, to just sit in a campsite pondering what you might do tomorrow, then La Pine State Park demands a visit. For information call: (800)551-6949
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Other Outdoor activities
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