Cottonwood Canyon State Park sits in north-central Oregon, about halfway between The Dalles and Condon. The park has over 8,000 acres of open space, trails, and riverfront access to the beautiful John Day River, famous for its tall cliffs and rocky hills.

Even though Cottonwood Canyon is big and rugged, it feels quiet and peaceful. This is Oregon's newest and second-largest state park, established in 2013.

Getting to the park is easy; once you arrive, you'll see fantastic canyon views. The powerful John Day River carved the cliffs here over many years, shaping this incredible landscape!

Things to Do at Cottonwood Canyon State Park

The park is famous for rock collecting, fishing, hiking, and a ton of other adventures for the entire family. Here are just some of the things you can do in the park.

Rockhounding

Rock collecting is one of the best things to do here. You can hunt along the river's gravel bars and banks for colorful agate, jasper, and ancient petrified wood. Bring a bucket and see how many gems you can find!

Fishing

The John Day River is a great fishing spot where you can catch:

• Steelhead (during spring and fall)
• Smallmouth bass
• Catfish

Make sure to check the fishing regulations before you go.

Boating and Rafting

Across the river, J.S. Burres is a popular boat launch. You can enjoy rafting, kayaking, canoeing, or drifting along the river. Motorized boats aren't allowed between Clarno and Cottonwood Bridge, making it peaceful and quiet.

Hiking

Explore trails along the river, including:

• Pinnacles Trail: 4.3 miles, open for hiking and biking.
• Lost Corral Trail: 4.3 miles, open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
• Hard Stone Trail: This shorter trail upstream is for hikers only.

You can also hike old ranch roads deeper into the park. Just remember, it's rugged out there!

Wildlife Watching

Look out for animals like mule deer, Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, lizards and snakes (including rattlesnakes, give them space!)

Birdwatchers will love seeing hawks, eagles, and other birds soaring above.

Know Before You Go

Cottonwood Canyon is remote, so preparation matters:

• • No cell coverage: Tell someone your plans ahead of time.
  • Bring water: At least 20 ounces per person, per hour, especially in hot weather.
  • Watch for wildlife: Rattlesnakes and cougars live here, so hike in groups and make noise to stay safe.
  • Campfire restrictions: Fires aren't allowed from early summer to late fall (June–September).
  • Safety Preparations: Familiarize yourself with desert safety practices.

Open: Year-round
Managed by: Oregon Parks and Recreation Department

Amenities: Potable water, restrooms, hot showers, picnic tables, cabins, trails, boat launch
Activities: Rockhounding, hiking, fishing, boating, camping, wildlife viewing, photography, and stargazing

Day-use fees: None

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is located:

• 31 miles southeast of The Dalles
• 118 miles northeast of Bend
• 125 miles east of Portland.