BALD PEAK STATE PARK
BALD PEAK STATE PARKBald Peak State Park 97123
(lat:45.3949 lon:-123.0553)
Bald Peak (1,629' elev.) is located where the worlds of high-tech and rural Oregon meet. Restaurants, shops, nightlife and a fast pace abound in nearby Hillsboro. Farms, wineries, fruit stands and a slower pace of life can be found in Newberg. Take a relaxing, scenic drive through the Chehalem hills from Hillsboro to Newberg. Along the way, stop at Bald Peak State Park, where you will experience a stunning view of the Willamette Valley and five snowcapped Cascade peaks on a clear day (Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Ranier and Mt. Adams in Washington, and Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson in Oregon).
There's a nice grassy hillside perfect for a picnic (there's no drinking water at the park, though). Afterward, go for a short stroll through a Douglas fir woodland.
Bald Peak State Park is located in Yamhill County, Oregon. The park sits atop Bald Peak, which is the highest point in the county at an elevation of 1,629 feet (497 meters). It offers panoramic views of the surrounding Willamette Valley and Cascade Range.
The history of Bald Peak State Park dates back to its acquisition by the state government. In 1933, a group called "Friends for Public Use" purchased approximately 26 acres on top of Bald Peak with donations from local residents who wanted to preserve it as public land. They then donated this parcel to Oregon's Highway Commission.
In subsequent years, additional parcels were acquired through purchases and donations until reaching its current size today-approximately 1 acre short of being a full section or square mile (640 acres).
Initially known as "Bald Mountain," it was officially designated as a state park in July 1940 under Governor Charles A. Sprague's administration. At that time, there were no developed facilities within the park; however recreational activities such as picnicking became popular among visitors due to its scenic beauty.
Over time, improvements have been made including picnic tables and shelters added during various development projects throughout decades past-including construction efforts undertaken by Civilian Conservation Corps crews between late-1930s into early-1940s era when they built many parks across America during Great Depression recovery period following stock market crash leading up World War II involvement United States military forces overseas theaters operations against Axis powers Germany Italy Japan etcetera...
Today,Bald peak remains primarily undeveloped but continues attracting outdoor enthusiasts seeking breathtaking vistas while enjoying hiking trails available onsite making ideal destination day trips weekend getaways nature lovers looking escape hustle bustle city life nearby Portland metropolitan area just over hour drive away depending traffic conditions along route taken reach summit where parking lot provides access trailhead network winding paths crisscrossing landscape offering opportunities explore diverse ecosystems found region Pacific Northwest including old-growth forests, meadows wildflowers blooming seasonally depending time year visited.
Bald Peak State Park has a rich history that began with local residents' efforts to preserve the land and eventually led to its designation as a state park. Today, it continues to be cherished for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities in Oregon's Yamhill County.