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Oregon is known for its lush forests and stunning coastline, and what better way to experience it than by visiting one of the state’s many beautiful parks? In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best Oregon State Parks for outdoor adventures. Whether you’re looking for a place to camp, hike, bike, or simply take in the natural beauty of Oregon, you’ll find what you’re looking for here!

When planning your trip, it is important to consider the best time of year to visit Oregon which will likely depend on your activities that you have planned as well as other factors like weather and amount of daylight.

Best Oregon State Parks Map

Oregon State Parks Pass

The best way to experience all that the best Oregon State Parks have to offer is with an annual pass. For just $35 for Oregon residents and $50 for non-residents, the Oregon State Parks Pass provides free day-use entry to more than 25 state parks for a full year from the date of purchase. That’s less than $1 per week!

The pass also provides access to enterprise sites managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department, including state-operated boat ramps, heritage sites, wildlife areas, and recreation trails. And best of all, the pass is valid for 365 days from the date of purchase, so you can enjoy Oregon’s state parks all year long!

1. Smith Rock State Park

Smith Rock State Park is often cited as one of the best state parks in Oregon, and it’s easy to see why. he towering cliffs and winding river give it a truly unique landscape that you won’t find anywhere else. The park is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal life, as well as some of the best hiking and rock climbing in the state. In addition, the views from Smith Rock are simply stunning. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike or a relaxing day in nature, Smith Rock State Park is definitely worth a visit.

2. Oswald West

As one of the most stunning Oregon state parks on the coast, Oswald West is a must-see for anyone visiting the area.

Not only is it home to gorgeous natural landmarks like Neahkahnie Mountain and Devils Cauldron, but it is a perfect spot to catch a wave if you have a surfboard handy and want to visit Short Sand Beach.

If you have time you can also take in sweeping panoramas from Cape Falcon as you take in all the natural beauty of one of the best state parks in Oregon.

Just be aware that Oswald West does not have any on-site camping. Therefore, it’s best to arrive early to avoid traffic on US 101 since many other day trippers venture out to this incredible spot too.

3. Silver Falls State Park

Silver Falls State Park is one of the best Oregon state parks for a number of reasons. First, the park is home to the Trail of 10 Falls, a 7.2-mile loop that takes visitors past 10 waterfalls, including the park’s signature falls, South Falls. The trail is one of the most popular hiking trails in Oregon and provides stunning views of the falls and the surrounding forest.

In addition to the Trail of 10 Falls, Silver Falls State Park also offers a number of other trails, as well as a campground and a day use area. The park is also located near Salem, making it a great option for those looking to explore Oregon’s capital city. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weeklong vacation, Silver Falls State Park is an ideal destination.

4. Cape Lookout

Located along the north coast of Oregon – on a stretch of sand near Netarts Bay – Cape Lookout is an idyllic scenic spot if you enjoy walking along the beach, driving along the Three Cape Scenic Route, or doing a bit of hiking.

After all, the park is home to many beautiful trails that feature stunning views of the ocean, like the Cape Trail and the North/South Trail segments of the Oregon Trail.

Also, because the park offers a wide variety of year-round camping options like cabins, yurts, tent sites, and full-hookup sites, it’s easy to enjoy the quiet beauty of this place.

And you’ll love the solitude here since this is one of the least visited state parks in Oregon.

5. Ecola State Park

If you love the great outdoors, then you’ll definitely want to add Ecola State Park to your list of must-visit destinations. Located in Cannon Beach, Oregon, this state park offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as lush forests and hiking trails. It’s also one of the best state parks in Oregon for wildlife watching, as you might spot bald eagles, sea lions, and even orcas from the shore.

And if you’re a fan of the movie The Goonies, you’ll definitely want to check out the iconic “Goonies house” located nearby. So whether you’re looking for a relaxing nature getaway or an action-packed adventure, Ecola State Park is sure to please.

6. Jessie M. Honeyman State Park

Situated just south of Florence, Oregon, Jessie M. Honeyman State Park is the perfect natural oasis for you if you love sand dunes.

After all, this is one of the best state parks in Oregon that features incredible sand dunes that are nestled along the shores of Cleawox and Woahink freshwater lakes.

It also doesn’t hurt that the park is a mere 2 miles away from the ocean too.

Additionally, this spot is home to the largest campground of any park in the state. Therefore, it’s easy to spend the night as you choose between full-hookup sites, tent sites, yurts, and more.

Just be aware that you may hear some noise while camping here since the highway is relatively close by.

Pro Tip: Stop by in the spring to see pink rhododendrons in bloom or visit in the fall to pick huckleberries and blackberries.

7. Fort Stevens State Park

Fort Stevens State Park is one of the best state parks in Oregon, and there are plenty of reasons to visit. For history buffs, there’s the Peter Iredale shipwreck, which has been sitting on the beach since 1906.

For nature lovers, there’s over 9 miles of hiking trails to explore, as well as plenty of opportunities to see wildlife. And for those who just want to relax, there’s ample camping and picnicking space. There’s truly something for everyone at Fort Stevens State Park. So whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weekend getaway, be sure to add Fort Stevens to your list of places to visit. You won’t be disappointed.

8. The Cove Palisades

Situated where the Deschutes, Metolius, and Crooked Rivers meet, The Cove Palisades is an ideal park if you love camping and are looking to explore the area around Bend, Oregon.

See, this is one of the best state parks in Oregon that is home to two seasonal campgrounds – the Crooked River Campground and the Deschutes River Campground.

So, spend the night at one of these two magical spots before going boating/paddling on Lake Billy Chinook Reservoir.

However, if you’re not a fan of the water then you can always hike along trails like the Crooked River Rim Trail, the Tam-a-láu Trail, and the Wetland Nature Trail Loop.

9. Wallowa Lake State Park

Wallowa Lake State Park is one of the best state parks in Oregon. It is located in the Wallowa Mountains, and it is known for its beautiful scenery and its great hiking trails. The park also has a large lake that is perfect for swimming and canoeing.

There are also a number of different camping sites available at the park. The Wallowas are one of the seven wonders of Oregon, and the whole area is definitely worth a visit. It is the most difficult of these parks to access.

10. Shore Acres

Easily one of the most unique state parks in Oregon, Shore Acres sits along the Cape Arago Highway and is just south of Coos Bay.

It’s a park that offers visitors stunning views of the Oregon coast since it is located high atop sandstone cliffs that feature lovely views of the ocean.

So, be sure to hop on a local trail that will lead you to Simpson Beach since this is where you can spot whales in the water between December and June.

Additionally, unlike many of the other best Oregon state parks on this list, Shore Acres is home to a formal, Japanese Garden with a lily pond and two well-manicured rose gardens.

Pro Tip: Please note that only service animals are allowed within this park. You can also visit Sunset Bay State Park and Cape Arago State Park while you’re here since both are located nearby.

11. White River Falls State Park

If you’re looking for a truly breathtaking Oregon state park, look no further than White River Falls State Park. Located in the picturesque town of Tygh Valley, this state park is best known for its stunning waterfalls. The White River tumbles over a massive basalt shelf, plunging into a pool below. From there, the river winds its way through a canyon, creating a series of beautiful cascades.

In addition to the waterfalls, White River Falls State Park is also home to hiking trails, picnic areas, and a historic hydroelectric power plant. Whether you’re looking to enjoy nature or learn about Oregon’s history, White River Falls State Park is the perfect place to visit.

12. Samuel Boardman State Park

If you’re looking for one of the best state parks in Oregon, look no further than Samuel Boardman State Park. This 12-mile stretch of coastline is home to towering cliffs, hidden coves, and natural bridges. Even though it’s located right off Highway 101, it’s still relatively unknown since it is so far south. That means you can enjoy the incredible views without feeling crowded. Whether you’re hiking along the coastline or relaxing on the beach, Samuel Boardman State Park is a great place to enjoy nature.

Best Oregon State Parks FAQs

What is the Most Visited State Park in Oregon?

The most visited state park in Oregon is the Valley of the Rogue State Recreation Area.

Other well-visited state parks in Oregon include Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site, Harris Beach State Recreation Area, and Oswald West State Park.

What is the Most Beautiful National Forest in Oregon?

The most beautiful national forest in Oregon is Deschutes National Forest. It’s located in the center of the state and is home to 1.5 million acres of land.

On-site highlights include giant volcanos, stunning waterfalls, vast lakes, raging rivers, and expansive forests.

What State Park is the Most Beautiful?

Some of the most beautiful state parks in the US include:

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park in Michigan
• Smugglers’ Notch State Park in Vermont
• Grayson Highlands State Park in Virginia

Are all Oregon State Parks Free?

No, not all Oregon state parks are free. However, of all the parks in the state, only twenty-five charge a fee for parking.

Best Oregon State Parks

Oregon is home to some of the best state parks in the country, and each one offers something unique and exciting. Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a weeklong vacation, there’s a state park in Oregon that’s perfect for you.

Some of the best state parks in Oregon include Smith Rock State Park, Silver Falls State Park, Ecola State Park, Fort Stevens State Park, Wallowa Lake State Park, White River Falsl State Park, and Samuel Boardman State Park. Each park offers something different, so be sure to check them all out and find the one that’s perfect for you.

You May Also Enjoy These Posts:

• Best Waterfalls in Oregon
• Hiking the Enchantments in Washington State
• Best Waterfalls near Portland
• 10 Places to Visit in Oregon
• Best Wildflower Hikes in the Columbia River Gorge
• Best Columbia River Gorge Hikes
• Best Hikes near Portland Oregon
• Easy Hikes near Portland Oregon
• The Perfect Oregon Road Trip Itinerary
• Underrated Places to Visit in the Pacific Northwest

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