Breathtaking Oregon State Parks to Escape the Crowds

It’s no secret that Oregon is filled with stunning state parks, with the state serving as a major hiking mekka for nature lovers and adventure seekers. While there are many well-known parks featuring iconic views of Oregon, the state also has countless hidden gems within lesser-known parks that are often overlooked. We’ve outlined our favorite Oregon State Parks that will give you a break from the crowds while offering you equally impressive views, wildlife, and natural wonders!

Here’s our top bucket list-worthy Oregon State Parks to give you some solitude:

Golden and Silver Falls State Park

Not to be confused with the popular Silver Falls State Park, Golden and Silver Falls State Park shares a strikingly similar name and features two of the most impressive waterfalls of Oregon. You’ll have to travel through a narrow dirt road to reach the park, however, seeing water rush down the 200-foot Golden Falls and 130-foot Silver Falls makes the detour certainly worthwhile, especially during the winter after heavy rainfall. You can also take a stunning 1.5 mile hike to the top of the falls to experience their beauty from another perspective.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

Located only about 30 minutes outside of Portland, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is an easily accessible area for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Enjoy a picnic with expansive views at the Hilltop Day-use Area and then set off to explore the park's 30 miles of trails. The park also features two mountain-style disc golf courses, for skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced. If you are a mountain biker, this park is not to be missed, as it has some of the best biking in the Oregon State Park system.

Catherine Creek State Park

Filled with crystal clear water, towering pines, and scenic landscape views, this park serves as a tranquil setting for visitors looking to enjoy the outdoors. You can camp right next to Catherine Creek, take a walk through the picturesque canyon scenery, or have a picnic with the Wallowa Mountains in the background. This park is also central to many other regional attractions including the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, Union County Museum and Wawona-Whitman National Forest.

Saddle Mountain State Natural Area

Looking for some scenic coastal views? Saddle Mountain offers less traveled trails than the popular Ecola State Park with equally breathtaking views of the Oregon Coastline. The park features a 2.5 mile out-and-back trail to the 3290-foot summit that zigzags through mature growth forests. Once you reach the top, you will be surrounded with panoramic views and on a clear day you can even spot the Columbia River, the Pacific shoreline, and Cascade Mountains.

Prineville Reservoir State Park

With 3000 acres and 43 miles of shoreline, Prineville Reservoir State Park offers secluded high desert hiking, wildlife viewing, and water recreation. The main day use area features a designated swimming area, boat launching point and is an excellent spot for year-round fishing, where people often catch rainbow trout, bass, catfish, and crayfish. If you are staying overnight, camping within the park features stunning night sky views. This park has the coveted designation as an International Dark Sky Park, recognizing the park’s incredible night sky and minimal light pollution.