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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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Central & Eastern Region
Cottonwood Canyon State Park
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Cottonwood Canyon State Park © daveynin / CC BY 2.0
Cottonwood Canyon State Park © daveynin / CC BY 2.0
Cottonwood Canyon State Park © daveynin / CC BY 2.0
Cottonwood Canyon State Park © daveynin / CC BY 2.0
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COTTONWOOD CANYON STATE PARK
COTTONWOOD CANYON STATE PARK
near The Dalles
Wasco, Oregon   97065
(lat:45.4576 lon:-120.4181) map location

Phone: 800-551-6949
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 parks 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.
Nature of the Area
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.
Camping
The Lone Tree Campground sits near the John Day River and offers a primitive camping experience with potable water and vault toilets nearby ADA showers and flush toilets are within walking distance.

Backcountry camping is allowed on a hike-in basisno dispersed vehicle camping is permitted. This includes the BLM land surrounding the park and Starvation Lane, which are managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Those looking to backpack may park at any trailhead, and must hike a minimum 1 mile before setting up camp. Please be sure to contact park staff with any questions relating to your trip.
In Park Availability Calendars
CABIN (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)
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GROUP TENT ONLY (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)
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MEETING HALL (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)
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PICNIC SHELTER (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)
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PRIMITIVE (Units Available For Upcoming Weekends)
March 2025
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2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031-----
April 2025
--12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
27282930---
May 2025
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45678910
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18192021222324
25262728293031
June 2025
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891011121314
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Fishing
Enjoy fishing in the John Day River, known for smallmouth bass and steelhead. Catfish are also occasionally caught here.


Location
Cottonwood Canyon State Park is
Nearby Parks

Picnicking
Cottonwood Canyon State Park offers picnic tables and grills, perfect for outdoor meals. No reservations are required for these facilities.
Trails
The Pinnacles Trail and the Lost Corral Trail, each 4.3 miles one way, follow either side of the John Day River downstream. The Lost Corral Trail, leaving from JS Burres, is open to both hikers, bikers and equestrians. The Pinnacles Trail, leaving from the end of the campground, is open to bikers and hikers.

Upstream, the Hard Stone Trail is open to foot traffic only. Or, you can strike out on your own along old, unmaintained ranching roads that lead into the back country. The J.S. Burres day-use area is a popular boat launch for rafts, kayaks, canoes and drift boats.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including raptors and songbirds. The park's diverse habitats attract many birds. Visitors may see golden eagles, red-tailed hawks, or ospreys soaring above the canyon rim. Smaller bird varieties like western meadowlarks and lark sparrows are also common sights in grasslands areas.

The John Day River running through the park attracts waterfowl such as mallards and Canada geese during migration seasons.
Guided birding tours are available for those interested in learning more about local avian life.
Remember to bring binoculars for better viewing opportunities!

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