Find your new favorite spot to spend a day, or a weekend, at one of PGE’s many parks and campgrounds.
Oregon is a dream location for the outdoor enthusiast, and a great way to explore the beauty of the Northwest is at one of PGE's parks or campgrounds. From beautiful views to well-maintained trails, family-friendly programs to accessible features, PGE parks have something for everyone, whether it’s your first time visiting or your 50th. There are so many ways to have fun outdoors. Come play at our parks.
Enjoying the great outdoors shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg. Luckily, many PGE parks offer low-cost or no-cost options. Here are a few free ideas for your day trip, staycation or Oregon getaway:
Float the day away from a Clackamas River boater access site
The Clackamas River corridor is a mecca for outdoor recreation just outside of Portland. From our river access sites, you can launch your watercraft for up to 13 miles of class II-IV whitewater rapids, take in the canyon’s grand views or just enjoy the mountain-fed waters of the Wild and Scenic Upper Clackamas.
Marvel at ancient rock formations at Balancing Rocks Overlook
Along miles of winding back roads, over 30 pillars stand watch over the Metolius Arm of Lake Bill Chinook. If you're nearby, take a short, accessible hike to Balancing Rocks Overlook to see Oregon's "hoodoos" — towering rock formations over 20,000 years old. It's a sight worth seeing!
Teach your kids to fish at Promontory Park
Small Fry Lake at Promontory Park was developed exclusively for young anglers. Kids up to 17 years old can fish for two trout per day on this pond, which is stocked in early summer. The marina opens for the season on May 1 and the campground opens Memorial Day weekend.
Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at Trout Creek Ranch
This former homestead area provides habitat for mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, bobcat, antelope and cougar. Numerous birds and small mammals also call Trout Creek Ranch their home. Bring your binoculars!
Relax on the lake at Pelton Park
Bring your kayak, paddle board or motorcraft for a day on scenic Lake Simtustus at Pelton Park – a vacationer’s paradise near Madras, Oregon.
Picnic with a view at Round Butte Overlook Park
Enjoy a spectacular panorama of the Deschutes River Canyon from Round Butte Overlook, a great spot to view bald eagles, ospreys and the Central Oregon landscape. Opens for the season Memorial Day weekend.
Play disc golf at Trojan Park
Trojan Park is a delightful day-use park with facilities for picnicking, hiking, biking, fishing, paddling and disc golf. The disc golf course, ponds and trails are open year-round.
Our reservable day-use areas are great for family, friends, or co-workers. Round Butte Overlook Park, near Madras, offers mountain vistas, a picnic area with sunshades, a cooking area, cornhole, volleyball, and a short rim trail with spectacular views Lake Billy Chinook. For a family-friendly experience near Portland, Promontory Park’s kitchen shelter features electric burners, sinks, and a large grill, plus fishing and boating opportunities. Both parks are available this summer—book your group area today! Details.
Ghostly pedestals on the canyon’s rim.
The perfect biking, running, walking spot, all year.
Quiet fishing retreat near Mount Hood.
Rustic camping on the peaceful Metolius River.
Pelton Park & Wildlife Overlook
Oregon’s great escape.
Scenic beauty where rugged meets comfort.
Enjoy the perfect family getaway.
Spectacular views of Oregon’s natural beauty.
A scenic getaway and close to the city.
Breathtaking scenery in the forests of Mount Hood.
Picnic and play near the Columbia River.
Appreciate nature and habitat restoration.
The Clackamas River corridor is a mecca for outdoor recreation just outside of Portland. Along its banks, you can find plenty of paddling, hiking, bicycling and camping. And from our river access sites, you can launch your watercraft for up to 13 miles of class II-IV whitewater rapids, take in the canyon’s grand views or just enjoy the mountain-fed waters of the Wild and Scenic Upper Clackamas.
SUP rental? Check! Barrier-free camping? Of course! From kayaking and motor-boating to disc-golf, hunting, playground fun or just connecting with nature, there are lots of ways to play at our parks and campgrounds. The chart below gives quick highlights, then check out all the things you can do and where you can do them.
Now online! Kids can learn about the animals and plants in our parks by doing fun, interactive activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge.
Get fish counts for the Clackamas, Deschutes, Willamette and Columbia Rivers.
Fishing, boating, and camping near dams, reservoirs and powerhouses can present risks. Understand the hazards and safety measures when visiting.
We’re looking out for fish, wildlife and their habitats everywhere we work.
Why is PGE spending money on parks when they're raising my electricity prices?
Managing parks and recreation sites is actually a requirement of PGE’s license to operate its hydroelectric projects. This requirement ensures that we’re providing Oregonians with access to natural areas while using public resources, such as local rivers, to generate power. In addition to keeping our parks comfortable, clean and educational, PGE is also required to maintain public roads near our hydropower projects and contract with law enforcement to protect public safety.
Reservation and parking fees, which are comparable to those charged by county, state and federal parks, help pay for a portion of park management costs. PGE is always evaluating potential improvements to our parks to ensure their ongoing safety and accessibility, while working to keep customer costs as low as possible.
When can I visit?
Some parks are open year-round, while others open seasonally for the summer. Check the amenities chart above for a quick peek at when each park is open. If you're curious about hours, you’ll usually find them posted at the park entrance. If the hours aren't posted, day-use parks are open from dawn to dusk.
How do I make a reservation?
To make a campsite reservation, just click on the park you’d like to visit and then scroll down until you see “Make a Reservation.” This will take you to our partner site for online camping booking. If you’re looking at one of our group day-use areas, scroll down again to “Make a Reservation” and send us your completed Day Use Area Permit application. We’ll get back to you to confirm your reservation.
What’s allowed?
Curious if you can collect plants in our parks, operate a remote-controlled device or bring along your furry friend while camping? Our Parks & Recreation Rules have you covered. Check them out for the details on what’s allowed and what’s not.
How can I get in touch for more information?
You can send a message through our contact form, email us at pgeparks@pgn.com or give us a ring on the PGE Parks Information Line at 503-464-8515.
