Hilgard Junction State Park is next to Interstate 84 at its intersection with Highway 244 near the Grande Ronde River. The park offers camping and daytime activities among the cottonwood and ponderosa pine. The Grande Ronde River flows through the park, enticing anglers, rafters and swimmers. Beaver, mink, deer and a variety of birds inhabit the park area and can be viewed throughout the year.

Fall frosts give way to brightly colored foliage along the river corridor, and winter snows bring herds of elk and deer to the banks of the river. While camping at the park, you can see ruts of the historic Oregon Trail at the nearby Blue Mountain Crossing Interpretive Park, explore miles of open road in the national forest, or hop over to La Grande and stock up on groceries, have a meal or partake in community events.

If you're going to be traveling Interstate 84, be sure to stop at Hilgard Junction and spend a night or two and explore the natural beauty of eastern Oregon.

Hilgard Junction State Park

Red Bridge State Wayside lies along Oregon Highway 244 and offers visitors overnight camping and daytime opportunities. Situated along the banks of the Grande Ronde River, the park is forested with ponderosa pine and cottonwoods. Uncrowded, quiet summer evenings greet campers and day-users alike. Enjoy a day of fishing or cool off in the gentle waters of the river.

Located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, the park can serve your needs as a base camp for big game hunting, mushrooming or simply exploring the miles of national forest within easy driving distance of the park. Take a drive and partake in local activities in nearby La Grande.

Red Bridge is convenient to the full services of La Grande, including emergency services, restaurants, shopping and many community events. Whether you need a place to picnic, or camp in a forest setting, Red Bridge State Park can fulfill your needs.

The original land was acquired in an exchange with the Mt. Emily Lumber Company in 1951. In 1961, the Boise Cascade Corporation gave the state the abandoned railroad right-of-way crossing the park. Reportedly, the old highway bridge over the Grande Ronde River was maintained in red paint by Union County, and thus, the park name.



State Parks Tagged With: La Grande