When visiting Oregon, the question is not if you’ll be spending time outdoors, but simply where you’ll do that. Dotted with spectacular natural areas, from sprawling national forests and Crater Lake—the state’s only national park—to countless amazing state parks, Oregon caters to all types of outdoor enthusiasts.
Looking to explore pristine mountainscapes? Or want to enjoy some casual kayaking or fishing? Maybe you’d like to see waterfalls? Hike in rain forests? Spend some time on epic beaches? The numerous Oregon state parks offer all of that—and more.
In fact, there’s so much to do in the state parks of Oregon, it can be very difficult to choose one or two. There are, after all, literally more than 250 state parks in Oregon, with over 50 of them also offering camping opportunities.
According to Oregon State Parks, the state park system in Oregon is one of the most popular in the entire United States.
Each year, an estimated 51.7 million daytime visitors spend time in Oregon’s state parks (3rd in the country). Almost 3 million people camp in the state’s parks (5th in the country).
This vast park system encompasses Oregon state parks, state recreation sites and state natural areas. It also includes the famous Oregon Shore State Recreation Area. Covering all 362 miles of the glorious Oregon coast, it’s one of America’s most extraordinary and largest public recreation areas.
Together, all these parks are home to the very best Oregon has to offer, from old-growth forests and impressive waterfalls to coastal cliffs and river canyons.
Contents
- Top 13 Coolest State Parks in Oregon
- 13. Harris Beach State Park
- 12. Cape Lookout State Park
- 11. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
- 10. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area
- 9. Ecola State Park
- 8. LaPine State Park
- 7. Hug Point State Recreation Site
- 6. Oswald West State Park
- 5. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
- 4. Fort Stevens State Park
- 3. The Cove Palisades State Park
- 2. Silver Falls State Park
- 1. Smith Rock State Park
Top 13 Coolest State Parks in Oregon
If you’re trying to figure out which state parks you should visit in Oregon, check out the list of coolest Oregon state parks below.
I’ve also indicated the nearest town(s) to each park, as well as a great brewery (or two) to grab a beer afterwards—this is Oregon after all!
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13. Harris Beach State Park
A great base camp to explore the wild coast of southern Oregon, Harris Beach State Park has hiking trails, viewpoints, sandy beaches, picnic areas and a campground.
Located a short drive north of Brookings, it’s also a wonderful spot for wildlife watching. Views take in Bird Island, which also sometimes also called Goat Island, a nationally important breeding site for birds. In offshore waters, look for migrating gray whales, California sea lions and harbor seals.
Numerous striking sea stacks dot Harris Beach itself, while its soft sand invites visitors to spend some time sunbathing and swimming.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
12. Cape Lookout State Park
A popular state park on the central Oregon coast, Cape Lookout comprises of a sand spit between the Pacific Ocean and Netarts Bay.
It is one of the three Oregon state parks on the Three Capes Scenic Route, which also includes Cape Meares and Cape Kiwanda (see below).
In addition to sunbathing and beachcombing, the park has miles of beautiful hiking trails. Particularly the South Trail and Cape Trail are worth exploring, the latter leading through a spruce and hemlock forest to the tip of Cape Lookout.
Home to a large campground, Cape Lookout State Park is one of the most popular camping destinations on this section of the Oregon coast, too. Set up camp for a night or two and explore this wonderful area in more detail.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
11. Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area
To witness the power of the ocean first-hand, few places are better than Oregon’s Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area. Situated just a short walk north of Pacific City, it encompasses a sandstone headland and a massive sand dune.
On stormy days, you can see mighty waves pound the coastal cliffs, while quiet days provide views of pristine seaside scenery. Whatever the weather is like, the views are spectacular.
Additionally, Pacific City is also famous for its so-called dory boats, which have been used for fishing for centuries. You can see them take off and land on the beach just south of Cape Kiwanda.
After exploring the dune and cliffs of Cape Kiwanda, relax with a beach beer at Pelican Brewing Company, which is literally on the beach.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
10. Saddle Mountain State Natural Area
Although its name doesn’t include “state park”, the Saddle Mountain State Natural Area is also managed by Oregon State Parks.
Located off U.S. Route 26 between Portland and the Oregon coast, this wonderful area is famous for its summer wildflowers and spectacular panoramic views from the 3,290-foot summit.
The main thing to do at Saddle Mountain is hiking it. Starting at a picnic area, the trail climbs through old-growth forest, continuing above the tree line to the top. The grassy slopes along the trail’s upper section boast all kinds of colorful wildflowers in late-spring and summer.
On a clear day, you can see seemingly forever from the Saddle Mountain summit. The panorama takes in the lower Columbia River to the north, endless miles of Pacific Ocean coastline to the west and the Cascade Range to the east.
Note, though, that the trail to Saddle Mountain is quite challenging and steep in certain sections. It ascends 1,640 feet in 2.5 miles. The views, however, make it more than worth it!
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
9. Ecola State Park
One of the most iconic views on the Oregon coast is found in Ecola State Park.
Stretching for 9 miles between the coastal towns of Cannon Beach and Seaside, this popular park features hiking trails, beautiful beaches, countless sea stacks, verdant Sitka spruce forests and lots of wildlife.
Hike the Clatsop Loop Trail over Tillamook Head, which is a part of the Oregon Coast Trail, and walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark’s Corps of Discovery. It was Captain Clark himself, along with a dozen other expedition members, who walked through what is now Ecola State Park in 1806.
Upon arriving at a viewpoint on Tillamook Head, Clark was greatly impressed by the view of the coast, which he called “the grandest and most pleasant prospects which my eyes ever surveyed…”
One of the state park’s most popular spots is Indian Beach, attracting beachcombers, sunbathers and surfers alike. While exploring Ecola, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, such as deer and elk, bald eagles and migrating whales.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
8. LaPine State Park
Located in the fragrant pine forests of central Oregon, LaPine State Park is a less-known state park in Oregon. I’d even call it a “hidden gem.”
Occupying a stretch of the scenic Deschutes River, the park features beautiful high desert woodlands and is home to wonderful multi-use trails. Most of those trails are easily accessible from LaPine’s peaceful campground.
Spend your time hiking and biking the trails or enjoy some fishing, swimming or floating in the gorgeous Deschutes River.
Additionally, this state park is a fantastic base from which to explore the rest of central Oregon. I personally spent several nights camping there and going on day trips to iconic places like the Newberry Crater, the breathtaking Cascade Lakes and Mount Bachelor in nearby Deschutes National Forest.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
7. Hug Point State Recreation Site
When driving Oregon’s Pacific Coast Scenic Byway, it’s easy to miss Hug Point State Recreation Site. Oregon State Parks calls this “a little wayside”, but I’d say it’s one of the top spots to visit on the entire Oregon coast.
Located just 5 miles south of Cannon Beach, Hug Point offers access to a stunning Oregon beach, dramatic coastal scenery and an insight into some fascinating local history.
Before the Oregon coast highway was constructed, the only way to travel along the coast was the beach. At Hug Point, travelers had to quite literally “hug” the headland to avoid the waves.
The original stagecoach road, complete with wheel ruts in the rock, can still be seen at low tide north of the parking lot.
In addition to this piece of local Oregon coast history, Hug Point also has tons of natural beauty to offer.
The prime attraction at this Oregon state park is the seasonal waterfall on the beach, while striking sea stacks, coastal caves and cliffs topped by Sitka spruce and ferns round out this picture-perfect park.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
6. Oswald West State Park
There are numerous awesome state parks on the Oregon coast, but few are as stunning as Oswald West State Park.
Encompassing a 4-mile stretch of Pacific coast, lined with lush temperate rain forest and home to a tranquil sandy beach, it’s one of the true treasures of the Oregon coast.
The park is only a two-hour drive west of Portland, making it a popular day trip destination among surfers, hikers, wildlife enthusiasts and beach fans.
Short Sand Beach is hidden in a secluded cove surrounded by sandstone cliffs and volcanic basalt rocks, a half-mile hike from the parking lot.
And if you like to hike, the trail up to the summit of Neah-kah-nie Mountain is a must-do. It’s one of the best hikes on the Oregon coast, offering jaw-dropping views from the top.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
5. Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor
One of Oregon’s most Insta-famous places, the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor stretches for 12 miles along the southern Oregon coast.
Between the popular seaside towns of Brookings and Gold Beach, you’ll find picnic areas, miles of hiking trails, epic beaches, striking sea stacks and amazing viewpoints.
Spend some time exploring and enjoying Whaleshead Beach, accessed via a short and easy path, or hike a section of the epic Oregon Coast Trail.
Another popular hike along the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor is Cape Ferrelo Viewpoint. You can get there via a 1-mile trail, which ends at a breathtaking spot that overlooks the coast, an excellent spot for both sunset and whale watching.
Arguably the park’s two main features, however, are Arch Rock, reached via a short trail, and the Natural Bridges, which include seven spectacular blowholes and arch rocks—the greatest and most famous view in the park.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
4. Fort Stevens State Park
There’s a lot to love about Fort Stevens State Park, which absolutely deserves its spot in the top 5 of coolest Oregon state parks.
The park encompasses the tip of a peninsula at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River near Astoria, a site that was home to a military installation for 84 years, from the Civil War to World War II.
Fort Stevens, after which the state park was named, features the only Civil War-era earthen fort on the West Coast, as well as turn-of-the-century artillery gun batteries. Military displays still take place each year at the park’s military museum and visitor center.
Additionally, Fort Stevens State Park also has a few lakes, of which Coffenbury Lake is the largest, offering boating, hiking, picnicking and swimming. There are 15 miles of multi-use trails, too.
And then, of course, there’s the beach. Like so many other Oregon coast state parks, Fort Stevens boasts a beautiful sandy beach.
What sets this particular beach apart, however, is its iconic shipwreck—the Wreck of the Peter Iredale—a must-visit spot on the coast of Oregon.
Camping is yet another highlight of Fort Stevens, the park being home to “one of the nation’s largest public campgrounds.” You can book one of its 500+ sites here.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
3. The Cove Palisades State Park
One of the most spectacular state parks in central Oregon, The Cove Palisades State Park is home to the magnificent Deschutes and Crooked River canyons.
It’s a popular place for boating, hiking and paddling year-round, while its two campgrounds are open seasonally.
Three day-use areas—the Lower Deschutes, Upper Deschutes and Crooked River—have boat launches and beaches suitable for swimming. The Upper Deschutes and Crooked River day-use areas also have accessible kayak launches.
Hikers can explore The Cove Palisades on a number of trails. The most spectacular hike in the park is the Tam-a-láu Trail, which runs up to the canyon rim from either the Deschutes Campground or the Upper Deschutes day-use area, respectively a 6-mile or 7-mile round-trip.
Looping around the plateau, the trail provides sensational views of both canyons and the Cascade Range volcanoes in the distance, including Mount Jefferson, the Three Sisters and even Mt. Hood to the north. Other popular trails are the Wetland Nature Trail Loop and Crooked River Rim Trail.
Open from April to October, The Cove Palisades Resort and Marina offers houseboat rentals and rents out water equipment like tubes, water skis and life jackets. There’s also a small store and café.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
2. Silver Falls State Park
Sometimes called the “crown jewel” of the Oregon state parks system, Silver Falls State Park is the largest and one of the most visited state parks in the state.
It’s a short drive east of Salem and south of Portland, an easily accessible wonderland of woods and waterfalls.
The park offers excellent mountain biking and horseback riding, but the most popular activity here is hiking. No visit to Silver Falls State Park is complete without hiking the Trail of Ten Falls.
As its name implies, this 7.2-mile trail takes you past no fewer than ten waterfalls.
This includes popular South Falls, but also more remote falls like Double Falls. The trail runs behind a few of the waterfalls, too, which is always a fun experience. Visit in the fall for glorious colors, while winter and spring are when the waterfalls are at their most powerful.
Silver Falls State Park has its own campground, too, a great base to spend a couple of days exploring this large park.
The day-use area has everything from picnic shelters and barbecue facilities to a playground, horseshoe pits and an off-leash area for dogs.
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/
1. Smith Rock State Park
One of the Seven Wonders of Oregon, Smith Rock State Park is small but spectacular. The park’s in the High Desert of central Oregon, a short drive north of Redmond and Bend, and a few hours from Portland.
Smith Rock rises majestically above the desert plains that surround it on all sides. It’s a rock climber’s paradise, the very birthplace of modern American sport climbing.
There are literally thousands of different climbing routes here, more than 1,000 of which are bolted.
In addition to rock climbing, the park offers fantastic hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. The star hike at Smith Rock is the Misery Ridge Trail Loop, a 3.7-mile loop over and around the state park’s craggy rock formations.
While hiking through the Crooked River canyon, part of the Misery Ridge Trail Loop, watch for wildlife like prairie falcons, golden eagles, beavers, river otters and mule deer.
Very occasionally, a cougar is spotted, while rattlesnakes also live in this dry, rocky and sunny environment. Enjoy the spectacular views, but watch where you step!
More information: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/