Come Play at our Parks
There are so many ways to have fun outside at our parks and campgrounds. Here are some of our favorites.
How do you like to play outside?
Boating, paddling, fishing, or hiking – there’s a way for everyone to play at our parks and campgrounds. Got kids? We have ideas. Need a barrier-free option? We have parks for you, too.
Day use activities
Gather with friends or co-workers, get some exercise or catch a glimpse of wild animals – there are lots of way to enjoy one of our parks for the day.
Group picnic shelters and areas
Hold your next employee meeting outside and treat everyone to lunch while social distancing.
Disc golf
Frisbee? Golf? Do both at once with Disc Golf courses at two of our parks.
Wildlife viewing
Who knows who you’ll meet? Visit one of these parks near dusk or dawn for your best chance to see a wild animal or bird.
Hunting
Hunt for birds or big game like mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, bobcat and cougar October through January by getting a permit at these parks.
Horseback riding
Bring your horse to Timothy Lake to enjoy our equestrian trails.
Mountain and road biking
Go off roading on a mountain biking trail at Timothy Lake:
Or, ride like the wind on your road bike at:
Faraday Road (at Faraday Lake)
Madras Mountain Views Scenic Bikeway
(passes Round Butte Overlook Park)Cascading Rivers Scenic Bikeway
(uses Faraday Road, passes Promontory Park, Clackamas River Boater Access Sites)
Fishing
Who needs the grocery store when you can fish for your dinner?
Kid-friendly parks and campgrounds
Many of our parks and campgrounds have activities that are perfect for kids. The parks below have junior ranger programs, playgrounds, easy hikes and kid-friendly fishing.
Fishing
Small Fry Lake at Promontory Park is for anglers 17 and younger only:
Junior Rangers
Get your Junior Ranger badge and pen in person at these parks:
Nature Play Areas
Slides, seesaws and swings, oh my!
Summer Programming
Learn about nature from rangers and park staff during the summer months.
Paddling
Enjoy parks from a different point of view – the water
Clackamas River Boater Access Sites – Whitewater paddling only
Pelton Park – Seasonal paddlecraft rentals at marina
Promontory Park – Seasonal paddlecraft rentals at marina
Timber Park – Seasonal paddlecraft rentals at boat launch
Timothy Lake – Seasonal paddlecraft rentals at Pine Point Day Use
Boating
Want to bring your boat? Many of our parks have boat launches so you can get out on the water.
Lake Harriet
Quiet fishing retreat near Mount Hood.
Perry South Campground
Rugged meets comfort.
Timothy Lake
Breathtaking scenery in the forests of Mount Hood.
Want to rent a boat? Seasonal motorboat rentals are available at these marinas:Â
Pelton Park
Central Oregon’s great escape.
Promontory Park
The perfect family getaway.
Hiking
Come for the exercise, stay for the gorgeous views and wildlife. From stretch-your-legs strolls to all-day adventures, there are so many options!
½ mile out and back. Accessible with very light traffic. Features: Views of the hoodoos, interpretive panel geologic formations.Â
2-mile loop trail. Steep rocky, difficult sections, light traffic. Features: Views of Lake Simtustus and the Cascade Range, remnants and an interpretive panel on the Oregon Trunk Railway.Â
1 mile out and back. Relatively level, very light traffic. Features: Views of Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood and the Lake Billy Chinook canyon; interpretive panels on area geology and raptors.
12-mile loop. Relatively level, moderate traffic. Features: Tour of the lake with views of Mt. Hood.Â
1.6-mile loop. Relatively level and light traffic. Features: Family-friendly nature trail with views of ponds and wetlands.
Camping
Get away for the weekend – come camp at one of our parks.
Spend the night under the stars
Take camping to the next level
Cabins and yomes
First-come, first-served camping
Double-site and group camping
Hike-in, bike-in, boat-in camping
Meditation Point at Timothy Lake
Barrier-free options
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the natural beauty of our parks – here are some accessible options for those with limited mobility.
Camping
Timothy Lake – multiple campgrounds/campsites
Pelton Park – multiple campsites
Perry South – 1 cabin and 1 campsite
Fishing
Accessible trails
Paddlecraft launchesÂ
PicnickingÂ
Thinking ahead
We’re committed to keeping our parks safe, clean, sustainable and welcoming – but we need your help.
Before you go
Make a plan: Check for road closures on your route and research your destination for the possibility of fire bans, reservoir-swimming restrictions or other conditions that may affect your visit.
…and a plan B: Make a backup plan in case of crowds. If the parking lot is full when you arrive, come back another day. (Tip: try visiting on weekdays or at off-peak times to beat the crowd!)
During your visit
Keep it clear: Park only in designated areas. Do not double-park or block entrances.
Stop campfires from becoming wildfires! Keep campfires small, make sure your tent and anything that can burn is a safe distance from your fire, keep water nearby and never leave a fire unattended.
Leave no trace: Help us protect these natural areas by staying on-trail, packing out your trash, and admiring wildlife from a distance.