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 improved access? We have parks for you, too.
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.
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 and event areas
Hold your next event or meeting outside.
Disc golf
Frisbee? Golf? Do both at once with Disc Golf courses at two of our parks:
Hunting
Hunt for upland birds or big game like mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk by getting a permit at these parks.
Horseback riding
Bring your horse to Timothy Lake to enjoy our equestrian trails.
Road biking
Cruise on your road bike at:
Faraday Road (near Faraday Lake)
Mountain biking
Go off-roading on a mountain biking trail at Timothy Lake:
Fishing
Who needs the grocery store when you can fish for your dinner?
Paddling
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. Be sure to have your camera ready!
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 has great early summer fishing just for anglers 17 and younger:
Junior Rangers
Get your Junior Ranger badge and pen in person at these parks:
Nature Play Areas
Leaping logs, balancing beams and stepping stones, oh my!
Summer Programming
Learn about nature from rangers and park staff during the summer months:
Boating
Spend quality time on the water fishing, cruising or just relaxing and taking in the beautiful scenery.
Bring your own boat
Many of our parks have boat launches so you can get out on the water:
Rent a boat
Seasonal motorboat rentals are available at these marinas:
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
Improved access options
We want everyone to be able to enjoy the natural beauty of our parks – here are some options with improved access for those with limited mobility.
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, 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
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.