Oregon State Parks

Oregon's state park system — 250+ parks — is one of the finest in the US, covering coast, forest, desert, and river canyon landscapes. Oregon state parks are largely free or low-cost.

Silver Falls State Park
Oregon's largest state park and one of the most spectacular — the Trail of Ten Falls (7.2 miles) passes behind, beside, and beneath ten separate waterfalls, all within a single hike. South Falls (177 feet) is the centerpiece — a path passes directly behind the curtain of falling water. The park is 26 miles from Salem; the surrounding silver maple and bigleaf maple forest turns brilliant gold in October.

Smith Rock State Park
In central Oregon's high desert above the Crooked River — the volcanic tuff and basalt formations of Smith Rock rise 800 feet above the river bend. Smith Rock is the birthplace of American sport climbing — the first modern sport climbing routes in the US were established on the Monkey Face and the Morning Glory Wall in the 1980s. The Misery Ridge Trail (4 miles) is the most-used hike; the views of the Three Sisters and Mount Jefferson from the summit are excellent.

Cannon Beach / Ecola State Park
The iconic Oregon coast — Ecola State Park's Indian Beach and the views from the Ecola Point overlook (Haystack Rock in the distance, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse offshore) are quintessential Pacific Northwest coast scenery. Hike the Clatsop Loop trail through Sitka spruce forest to India Beach.

Oswald West State Park
South of Cannon Beach — Short Sands Beach (a pocket beach in a forested headland) is one of Oregon's finest beaches, protected from wind by the surrounding forest. The Cape Falcon trail (5 miles round trip) through old-growth Sitka spruce to a clifftop view is excellent. Primitive camping is available by wheelbarrow from the parking area.

Crater Lake National Park (Oregon's only NP)
Technically a federal park, but so central to Oregon's identity that it anchors any state parks discussion. The park's Rim Village, Rim Drive, and winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are exceptional.