The 12 Most Spectacular, Unique State Parks In Oregon
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Tessa Metcalf
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Oregon is full of stunning natural beauty, and our state (and national) parks contain some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Here are 12 amazing state parks to visit in Oregon.
Silver Falls State Park, Oregon, USA
Located near Salem, Silver Falls State Park is the largest state park in Oregon, and one of the most incredible. Full of lush forests (which are incredibly colorful in Fall), dramatic canyons, majestic waterfalls, and amazing hiking trails, this wondrous state park is a perfect place to escape into the beauty of nature. For more information, check out Silver Falls State Park's website.
Ecola State Park Road, Ecola State Park Rd, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA
Located on the coast of northern Oregon, this magnificent state park is full of breathtaking viewpoints, scenic trails, pristine beaches, and more. It's an amazing place to spend the day relaxing on the beach, picnicking, hiking, exploring tide pools, surfing, and more. Check out Ecola State Park's website to learn more.
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Smith Rock State Park, Oregon 97760, USA
Walking through the high desert landscape of Smith Rock State Park may make you feel as though you've been transported to a different planet entirely. This stunning state park is located near Redmond in Deschutes County and is a fantastic place for rock climbing, hiking, camping, and more. For more information, check out Smith Rock State Park's website.
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Shore Acres State Park, 89526 Cape Arago Hwy, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
This unique state park on the coast is home to two amazingly beautiful - and amazingly different - main attractions: a large, intricately manicured garden, and a rugged, dramatic shoreline full of crashing waves and jagged rocks. For more information, check out Shore Acres State Park's website.
Crater Lake National Park, Oregon, USA
Located atop the incredible Mt Mazama in Southern Oregon, Crater Lake is truly one of a kind. Technically, it's a National Park (as opposed to a state park) but that certainly shouldn't inhibit you from seeing this stunning natural wonder for yourself. Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the country, and its deep blue waters are sure to leave you speechless. Check out Crater Lake National Park's website to learn more.
White River Falls State Park, White River Rd, Maupin, OR 97037, USA
This little-known hidden gem in north central Oregon is home to the gorgeous White River Falls. It's a great place to escape from society and check out a beautiful waterfall, amazing basalt canyons, the ruins of an abandoned hydroelectric power plant, and more. Check out White River Falls State Park's website to learn more.
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John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, 32651 OR-19, Mitchell, OR 97750, USA
Although this place is also not technically a state park, the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument is breathtakingly beautiful. This National Monument is made up of three separate units: the otherworldly Painted Hills (pictured above), the magnificent Sheep Rock Unit, and the beautiful Clarno Unit. For more information, check out the website for John Day Fossil Beds National Monument.
Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, U.S. 101, Brookings, OR 97415, USA
Located on the coast of southern Oregon, this 12-mile stretch of coastline is absolutely breathtaking. Here you'll find crashing waves, incredible rock formations, old growth forest, stunning viewpoints, sandy beaches, and more. For more information, check out the website for Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.
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Wallowa Lake State Park, Joseph, OR 97846, USA
Located in Wallowa County, Wallowa Lake State Park is absolutely mesmerizing. The huge, crystal clear lake is tucked away in the foothills of gorgeous Wallowa peaks, and offers plenty of amazing activities like swimming, boating, fishing, camping, hiking, and more. It's definitely one of the best state parks to visit in Oregon! To learn more, check out the website for Wallowa Lake State Park.
Fort Stevens State Park, 1675 Peter Iredale Rd, Hammond, OR 97121, USA
This unique state park in northwest Oregon used to be a U.S. military fort that stood guard over the mouth of the Columbia River. Nowadays, the oceanside state park is a great place to hang out on the beach, hike, camp, and check out the historical remnants of the old fort as well as the Peter Iredale shipwreck (pictured above). Visit Fort Stevens State Park's website to learn more.
Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, Oregon, USA
Located on the northern tip of Oregon, this stunning river gorge is absolutely jaw-dropping. On the Oregon side of the river (the water separates Oregon and Washington), the massive Columbia River is rimmed by stunning forests, dramatic rock walls, streams, and of course, waterfalls. The Gorge is legendary for its abundance of incredible waterfalls, in particular the amazing Multnomah Falls, which happens to be one of the tallest waterfalls in the country. Visit Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area's website to learn more.
Sunset Bay State Park, Coos Bay, OR 97420, USA
This beautiful seaside state park is located near Coos Bay. Here you'll find the picturesque, half-moon-shaped beach pictured above, as well as old growth forests, tide pools, hiking trails, and more. Plus, only half a mile away is the lovely Cape Arago Lighthouse. Visit Sunset Bay State Park's website to learn more.
What do you think of these 12 state parks to visit in Oregon? Which one is your favorite? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Looking for more things to do outside in Oregon? Check out the most incredible natural wonders in Oregon.
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More to Explore
state parks to visit in Oregon
Which state parks should I visit in Oregon?
There are so many splendid state parks to visit in Oregon, and the Umpqua Lighthouse State Park is no exception. Located in Reedsport, this place has a glistening lake, sand dunes, and a historic lighthouse. There’s really something for everyone. Need more ideas? These 12 lesser-known state parks in Oregon are absolutely worth the trip.
What are the most easily accessible hikes in Oregon?
Don’t want to trek through the woods all day? No worries! We know some excellent easy hiking trails in Oregon. One of our favorites is the Proxy Falls Trail, located off the McKenzie Pass Highway. At only 1.25 miles long, this walkway is perfect for a mid-afternoon jaunt. Plus, the end views are astounding! If you need more ideas, check out our full list of the best short hiking trails in Oregon.