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:

Fishing

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

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: 

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!

Balancing Rocks Overlook

½ mile out and back. Accessible with very light traffic. Features: Views of the hoodoos, interpretive panel geologic formations. 

Pelton Park

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. 

Round Butte Overlook

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.

Timothy Lake

12-mile loop. Relatively level, moderate traffic. Features: Tour of the lake with views of Mt. Hood. 

Trojan Park

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.

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

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

Fishing

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, construction, fire bans, swimming restrictions or other conditions that may hamper your visit.

  • …and a plan B: Make a backup plan in case of crowds. Try visiting on weekdays or at off-peak times to beat the masses!

  • EV adventuring? While our parks do not have charging stations (yet!), check here for nearby locations PGE that do.

During your visit

  • 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.

  • Keep it clear: Park only in designated areas. Do not double-park or block entrances.

  • Leave no trace: Help us protect these natural areas by staying on-trail, packing out your trash, and admiring wildlife from a distance.