Cottonwood Canyon State Park is rugged and vast, from the vertical cliffs carved by the John Day River to deep side canyons and arid, rocky grasslands that extend for miles in all directions. The park’s 8,000-plus acres are open for exploring, stargazing and contemplating the elemental forces that carved this unique landscape.

The iconic John Day River is a long, remote, natural river system, with 252 free-flowing miles. The lower John Day River offers one of the best spring and fall wild steelhead runs in Northeast Oregon. Anglers also come for catfish and smallmouth bass. J.S. Burres, across the river, is a popular boat launch for rafts, kayaks, canoes and drift boats.

The park is also open to hunting outside the developed area. It is the responsibility of the hunter to stay current on regulations. Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for information.

Visitors may see Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, white-tailed jackrabbit, big horn sheep, and all manner of smaller mammals. Both migratory and resident bird populations are a treat, especially for raptor lovers. The rocky landscape also invites reptiles, including at least six species of lizards, western rattlesnakes and various nonvenomous snakes. April and May put on a show of wildflowers.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park

The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a tree-shaded, overnight oasis for campers. The Deschutes River converges with the Columbia here at this hub for hiking, mountain biking, camping, rafting and world-class steelhead and trout fishing. 

Spring comes early to the Deschutes, painting the landscape green for a few months and offering a break from rainy weather further west. The first wildflowers emerge from winter's grip in late February. Heat starts to build by June, with summer temperatures regularly reaching the 90s and 100s.

Park Trails
The park has three trails reserved for hikers. The Blackberry Trail runs for two miles along flat terrain at the river’s edge under the shade of the white alder trees. Look for the hanging basket-type nests built by the orioles. The trail is paralleled by the Riverview Trail, a two-mile route along a terrace above the river. Together, the two trails form a four-mile loop. The third trail—Ferry Springs Trail—forms a scenic loop toward the canyon rim with views of the surrounding hills and the river. Please note: Bicycles are not allowed on hiking trails. 

Bring your bicycles and enjoy a 32-mile round-trip ride following the Old Railbed Trail 16 miles up the canyon and back. Camping is allowed along the trail, but strict regulations are enforced. The trail is an easy, flat grade, but mountain bikes are recommended due to the dirt and gravel surface. Be prepared with a patch kit in case of a flat tire—it’s a long walk back. Also, make sure to take plenty of water; summer temperatures can rise to 110 degrees.

From March 1 through June 30, equestrians can ride on 11 miles of the Old Railbed Trail route, ending at Harris Canyon. Go to the Park Store to reserve your trip. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset; no overnight camping is allowed.

Wild and Scenic Deschutes River
The Deschutes River’s fame as a fly-fishing spot among trout anglers is matched by its reputation as a top steelhead river. Please only fish from the riverbank, and remember to observe the strict no-bait requirement and carefully follow all fishing regulations. 

Heritage Landing boat ramp, located across the river from the campground, is a popular jetboaters launch. Jetboating is allowed on the lower segment of the Deschutes River year-round except alternating weekends from June – September.

Three whitewater rapids — Washout, Rattlesnake and Moody — test rafters and boaters on the lower 25 miles of the Deschutes. A Lower Deschutes River Boater Pass is required for every individual who is on the Deschutes River at any time with a floating device (including float tubes). You can purchase a pass online at www.recreation.gov.
The lower 2 miles of the Deschutes River is a pass through zone for boaters. This provides fishing access for the many hike-up anglers that depart from Heritage Landing and use the river trails.

Year-round Camping
Some services may be reduced due to Covid-19; they are noted in bold below. Book reservations up to 30 days in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com

Note: Campfires are typically prohibited during the summer months.  

State Parks Tagged With: Wasco