20 Oregon State Parks

Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in America. The Beaver State is home to an incredibly beautiful coastline, a whopping 360 state parks and the famous Crater Lake National Park. If it’s outdoor adventures you are searching for then Oregon is the perfect place for an epic nature trip.

Oregon is the ninth largest state in the U.S. so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed picking an amazing state park. To help you decide, here is a list of some of the best Oregon state parks for solo travellers, families and couples.

Oregon State Parks

20 State Parks In Oregon

1- Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is around 35 minutes’ drive east of Salem in north eastern Oregon.

If you visit just one state park in Oregon, many people say it should be Silver Falls.

Silver Falls feels like something from a magical jungle-like wonderland.

The 259 feet (79 m) falls is part of the Trail of Ten Falls, an impressive waterfall hiking trail.

As well as the falls there are 35 miles (56 km) of hiking trail that are suitable for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers.

To make the most of your trip to Silver Falls State Park why not stay overnight at their campground.

Silver Falls State Park is at 20024 Silver Falls Hwy SE. Sublimity, OR 97385.

Recommended experience: Old-Growth Tree Climbing at Silver Falls State Park

2- Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is just under three hours’ drive southeast of Portland and a similar distance from Eugene.

Smith Rock State Park is an excellent park for enjoying deep river canyon views and it’s also an excellent park if you want to go rock climbing.

There are several thousand climbs to try in the park with more than a thousand being bolted.

There are also amazing hikes that allow you to immerse yourself in nature.

From the 7.3-mile (11.7 km) summit loop to the 2.8-mile (4.5 km)trek from Wolf Tree to Burma, you can head away from any crowds and be within the chance of spotting herons and golden eagles.

Smith Rock State Park is at Oregon 97760.

3- Tumalo State Park

Tumalo State Park is in central Oregon close to the Willamette National Forest and 123 miles (198 km) from Eugene.

The park sits along the Deschutes River and there’s plenty of outdoor activities to be enjoyed at the park.

There’s an excellent golf course, a blue-ribbon trout stream, an alpine lake, and tons of hiking and trails.

The Deschutes River Trail is 2.4 miles (3.8 km) through a steep sided canyon providing some much-needed shade in places.

The river is used by kayakers and anglers.

There’s also camping and yurt accommodation at Tumalo State Park if you are looking to stay for a few days.

Tumalo State Park is at Oregon 97703.

4- Wallowa Lake State Park

At the south end of Wallowa Lake is the Wallowa Lake State Park in northeastern Oregon around 10 minutes’ drive outside of Joseph in Wallowa County.

This day use state park is open all year round.

You simply cannot beat the views of mountains and forest from Wallowa Lake.

It’s one of those places where you can enjoy those picture-perfect lake reflections.

The Wallowa Mountains are a scenic backdrop for the perfect morning vista as you wake up in the park and get out and hike or hit the water.

The Wallowa Lake Marina has a variety of boats to rent, from kayaks to motorboats.

If you’re planning on fishing, you’ll find all the supplies you need in the marina store.

Camp year-round on full hook-up sites, tented sites or in yurts.

Wallowa Lake State Park is at Joseph, OR 97846.

5- Harris Beach State Park

The first of Oregon’s western coastal state parks on this list is Harris Beach State Park.

You will find this park in southern Oregon just outside of Brookings and close to the California border.

The rugged coastline and sandy beaches attract people to the park.

While the park you can see Goat Island (also called Bird Island).

This is a National Wildlife Sanctuary and breeding site for the tufted puffin.

The whole park then becomes an excellent place for wildlife viewing.
Bring a picnic and head out on the trails for hours of hiking fun and seemingly endless ocean and sea stack views.

Harris Beach State Park is at U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415.

6- White River Falls State Park

In northern Oregon around 20 minutes’ drive outside of Maupin you will find the White River Falls State Park which is next to the White River.

The waterfall is 90 feet (27.4 m) tall and falls from a basalt shelf formed millions of years ago.

Today you can see the history and geology at work.

There’s a railed viewing area where you can take excellent photos of the falls.

You can also follow a quarter-mile trail that’s pretty steep down into the canyon.

Here you can see the historic hydroelectric power plant which was used between 1910 and 1963.

You can bring a picnic, hit the hiking trails and go fishing on the White River.

However, swimming is not advisable because of the strong river currents.

White River Falls State Park is at White River Rd, Maupin, OR 97037.

7- Cove Palisades State Park

Another of Oregon’s state parks is Cove Palisades State Park in Jefferson County in the central part of the state.

Lake Billy Chinook is at the heart of the Cove Palisades State Park.

The tall canyon walls that flank the lake are mightily impressive.

There’s plenty to do at Cove Palisades State Park including hiking, boating and camping.

The 6.5-mile (10.4 km) Tam-a-lau Trail is one of the most popular in the park.

The trail passes through steep canyons, by basalt columns offering an array of photograph opportunities.

Cove Palisades State Park is at Culver, OR 97734.

8- Cape Arago State Park

Cape Arago State Park is another amazing west coast state park just a 25-minute drive from Coos Bay.

The park sits on Cape Argo, a headland that juts out into the Pacific Ocean.

While at the park you must keep your eyes peeled for migrating whales and other marine life.

You will be in with a chance of seeing whales between mid-December and mid-January and late March to the end of May.

When you arrive at the park take the south cove trail towards the sandy beach.

At the beach there are a bunch of fascinating tidal pools where you can see plants and small animals.

Take the north cove trail and you will find places to fish, beachcomb and try to spot the sea lions and seal colonies that stop at Shell Island.

Cape Arago State Park is at Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

9- Jessie M Honeyman State Park (Oregon Dunes)

Jessie M Honeyman State Park is next to Woahink Lake in western Oregon between Reedsport and Waldport and three miles from Florence.

Locally referred to as Honeyman, this park is really unique with Woahink Lake to the east and Cleawox Lake to the northwest.

Sand dunes surround Cleawox Lake and you can race down the dunes and jump in the water to swim.

The park is known for its pink rhododendrons in spring and huckleberry and blackberry picking in autumn.

No matter the season this is a fantastic Oregon state park.

Jessie M Honeyman State Park (Oregon Dunes) is at Jessie M. Honeyman Memorial State Park, Florence, OR 97439.

10- Valley of the Rogue State Park

Valley of the Rogue State Park is on the banks of the Rogue River just off Pacific Highway in southern Oregon.

The park covers 3 miles of Rogue River shoreline and is a great spot for a family day trip or weekend getaway.

There are some easy walking trails that pass alongside the river.

There’s also the Rogue River Greenway Trail which is four miles and leads through the park.

You can also camp at the park year-round.

There are 13 yurts if you fancy accommodation that is a little different.

There are also full-hookup sites and three group tented areas.

Valley of the Rogue State Park is at Gold Hill, OR 97525.

11- Shore Acres State Park

This beautiful state park showcases Oregon’s rugged coastline in all its glory.

The Shore Acres State Park is around 30 minutes’ drive south of Coos Bay and sits on tall sandstone cliffs.

The park is a great compromise between the rugged wild coastline and manmade formal gardens.

Shore Acres was formally the estate of Louis J. Simpson.

Visit today and you will find a Japanese-style garden with two rose gardens.

Enjoy the views at Simpson Beachm where rough waves crash against the cliffs and whales can be spotted out to sea.

Shore Acres State Park is at 89526 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420.

12- Lake Owyhee State Park

Lake Owyhee State Park is on the eastern side of Lake Owyhee in eastern Oregon.

If you are searching for an oasis away from the crowds this state park is a good bet.

Lake Owyhee is in the heart of the desert canyon and is 53 miles (85 km) long.

Launch your boat from the boat ramp and explore the reservoir taking in the unique surrounding geology.

If you like fishing then the reservoir is stocked with catfish and sometimes rainbow trout.

While fishing or boating be sure to keep your eyes peeled for golden eagles, coyotes, pronghorn antelope and even wild horses.

There are two campgrounds at Lake Owyhee State Park: McCormack Campground, which is open between 15 April and 31 October, and Indian Creek Campground.

13- Ecola State Park

Ecola State Park is one of the most spectacular Oregon state parks.

This state park is between Seaside and Cannon Beach and stretches nine miles along the coast.

Hiking opportunities are plentiful in the park and there are more than a few chances to gaze in admiringly at the views.

You can also enjoy picnicking, exploring the tide pools and surfing.

There are a series of trails throughout the park including the Oregon Coast Trail which is eight miles.

Part of this route covers the Clatsop Loop Trail which is a historical route that follows in the footsteps of the Corps of Discovery.

Ecola State Park is at Cannon Beach, OR 97110.

Recommended tour: Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland

14- Fort Stevens State Park (Peter Iredale Shipwreck)

Fort Stevens State Park is the most northwestern park in Oregon.

This park was once the site of a military installation that guarded the mouth of the Columbia River.

Between the Civil War and World War II the fort was in service for 84 years.

Today Fort Stevens is a 4,300-acre park that offers swimming in Coffenbury Lake, recreational fun at Columbia Shore Disc Golf Course, beach combing, a historic shipwreck and views of the surrounding landscape from the observation tower.

Fort Stevens State Park is at 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121.

15- Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is an 800-acre park in northern Oregon around 2 hours 15 minutes’ drive east of Portland.

The park is uniquely defined by the steep sided cliffs that were carved by the John Day River.

While walking in the park you might be lucky enough to see some Rocky Mountain elk, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, and bighorn sheep.

For hiking by the river follow the Pinnacles Trail or the Lost Corral Trail both of which are 4.3 miles.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is at Wasco, OR 97065.

16- Cape Lookout State Park

Cape Lookout State Park is around 1 hour 40 minutes’ drive from Portland on the Pacific coast.

If you are searching for beautiful coastal views, beaches and impeccable sunsets then Cape Lookout State Park is ideal.

The park actually sits on a sand spit on Netarts Bay.

Whether you come to beachcomb, relax on the sand or hike, this is a wonderful park for a day trip or longer.

There are a ton of camping options from traditional camping to deluxe cabins and fun pet-friendly yurts.

The five-mile Cape Trail is a must-see hiking trail.

It has five miles of endless ocean views and leads you to the tip of Cape Lookout.

Cape Lookout State Park is at 13000 Whiskey Creek Rd, Tillamook, OR 97141.

17- Milo McIver State Park

Milo McIver State Park is on a bend of the Clackamas River.

If you are in Portland then this is an excellent state park to visit as it’s around 50 minutes’ drive southeast from downtown Portland.

One of the most popular activities in the park is to head to the Clackamas River with rafts, canoes or kayaks.

You can rent boats at Clackamas River Outfitters at Estacada Lake.

Anglers will enjoy a spot of fishing on Estacada Lake, where there is also a boat launch.

If you are a fan of disc golf then you will love their extended 27-hole course which is located at the Riverbend Day Use area.

Milo McIver State Park is at Estacada, OR 97023.

18- Beverly Beach State Park

Beverly Beach State Park is less than 15 minutes’ drive north of Newport.

This state park is known as having one of the largest campsites in the Oregon state park system.

If you want to camp in complete peace and just off the beach then this is a fantastic and tranquil spot.

Head to the beach to relax, walk, beachcomb or all three.

The park is also at the heart of the whale watching viewpoints.

As you are on the beach keep your eyes peeled.

There are plenty of tidepools at Beverly Beach which are teaming with creatures and sea life.

Beverly Beach State Park is at 198 NE 123rd St, Newport, OR 97365.

19- Cape Blanco State Park

Seeing as Oregon’s coastline is so beautiful there’s no shame in there being yet another Pacific coast state park.

Cape Blanco State Park is around 10 miles north of Port Orford on Oregon’s westernmost tip looking out to the Pacific Ocean.

One of the prominent features in the area is the Cape Blanco lighthouse which dates back to the 19th century.

The park offers more than eight miles of hiking trails that provide breathtaking views and access to the beach.

There are a number of fishing spots along the Sixes River if you fancy a dabble.

If you are a keen horse rider how about taking the seven-mile trail and cantering around the 150-acre riding area that’s within the park.

Cape Blanco State Park is at 91814 Cape Blanco Rd, Port Orford, OR 97465.

20- Guy W. Talbot State Park

Its back inland for the final state park on this list with Guy W. Talbot State Park.

You will find the park close to the Columbia River which flows between Oregon and Washington.

The park is also only 40 minutes’ drive east of Portland.

You may see that this state park is also referred to as Latourell State Park that’s because there’s the Upper Latourell Falls within the park.

You can walk to the base of the falls and see the 224-foot water plunging to the pool.

The falls is surrounded by basalt columns.

Enjoy hiking and views of the waterfall in this relatively quiet Oregon state park.

Guy W. Talbot State Park is at Historic Columbia River Hwy, Corbett, OR 97019.