Best Hiking Trails in Cottonwood Canyon State Park

1 review

Seasonal Popularity

Overview

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is the newest state park in Oregon. With over 8,000 acres there is never a dull moment and it has many different activities to offer. Right on the John Day River, this park is a beautiful and green oasis surrounded by miles of wheat fields and wind farms. Cottonwood canyon has a historic cattle ranch that has been restored on site. There are some historical buildings that are available to explore. The day use area has a wide variety of uses including picnic tables, restrooms, fishing poles and a bike fix it station. The off leash area for dogs is a great addition to this park. In addition to this great day use area, pet friendly cabins, hiker/biker camp, and tent sites are also available at this park. Hot showers and restrooms are centrally located near the cabins and tent sites. In the tent site loop bikes are available for use during your stay. Each tent site has a fire pit, a table, and some have a shelter over the table as well as a wind barrier. Tent sites are first come first serve. Cabins are available for reservation. RVs are welcome but no hooks up are available. In the tent loop there is a self serve station to register for your tent site. Hiking trails and biking trails are all around in this park. The John Day River runs through the park and can be accessed by many trails through out the park. Across the bridge from the main camping area is a parking area and boat launch. Before you enter the park there are parking areas where you can enjoy the river as well. There is no cell phone service in the canyon so plan accordingly. This is rattle snake country so be aware.

Getting Started

The park is on hwy 206 between Condon and Wasco. As you arrive near the park you will see the John Day River and parking area for use at this part of the river. When you arrive at the park, the day use area will be near the entrance with parking lots and a day use permit station. Restrooms are also in this area. There is an information building with pamphlets on the park and other areas around. As you continue through the park you will see the cabins. Next will be dry camping loop. In each area there are pay stations and registration areas.

When to Go

The park is open year round and each season has its own adventures to offer! During the summer months the weather will be hot and windy. During the winter be sure to check the weather reports to know to plan well and be prepared for your trip.

Permits

The permits that you will need are for camping and staying over night. Cabins are available by reservation, be sure to bring proof of your payment and reservations. Tent sites are first come first serve there will be self serves area for your pay and register for your tent sites.

Dog Info

Dogs are welcome on leash and please clean up after your pet. At this park there are is a great off leash area for your pets to enjoy. Pet friendly cabins are also available. Dog waste stations are around the park please use them!

Solohiker35 5 years, 6 months ago

Came here to hike the lost corral trail in the JS Burres area, here there are vaulted toilets that are kept really clean, huge parking area with enough turning radius for trailers and boats, a boat ramp. Says there is a picnic area, but it looks more like a swimming area, there are no picnic tables. Beautiful hiking and a must stop. I hiked 11.2 miles on this trail. I also visited the state park after hiking as it is across the river from lost corral trailhead. There is lots to see and do in this state park. Lots of trails. They have fishing poles and bikes you can use free of charge. A horseshoes pit with horseshoes on hand. 4 cabin rentals ($48/night) two of which (rattle snake and bighorn) allow dogs $58/night, with one vehicle included and private spaces and a $7 charge for additional vehicles. The cabins were just built last summer, looks like they have a/c and heat, two sets of bunk beds and a queen bed, a sitting area and a desk.They also have primitive camping with vaulted toilets close to the campground. There are heated bathrooms with flushing toilets close to day use parking area. The showers are free for people camping and charge $2 with hot and cold water for day trippers. Check out the information center on your arrival it's open from dawn to dusk. When I visited I met ranger Randall and he gave me a really cool behind the scenes look of the park. Ranger randall was super friendly and knowledgeable. There is smoking allowed in campsites and cars but no where else. Day use is free. In the summers it can get really full here. There is a hiker/biker camp as well that I believe is free. As well as a group camping area, all near the primitive campground. There is potable water here. No electric or water hookups. I visited on 12/10/18 and only saw a couple of cars in the park area at any given time of the day. On the lost corral trail I saw 2 other fishermen. There was a light dusting of snow on the trails and the roads to the park are kept in great condition, I was following a snow plow dumping de-icer on the roads. Just getting off the 84 there is some road work with a stop sign that drops the road to one lane. Lots of history and cool things to see at this park. 12/17/18 Pinnacles trail. 10.8 miles Saw a family of raccoons, over 5 on the side of the road right before the downgrade on the 206 east, pretty cool. Right as I entered the campground I saw a deer crossing the road. Hiked the Pinnacles trail this am 12/17/18. Started at 7am, 39 degrees out I believe. Easy trail, not alot of elevation and ends at a gate that is closed and chained shut with barbed wire fencing on both sides. Didn't see a soul on the trail, but as I was making my way back I heard a gunshot. Heard some coyotes or dogs howling on the way back as well. Finished the trail at 12pm. Drove up the 84 east from Vancouver and pouring down rain with blinding splashes from semis and white out fog near hood river, the dalles and again when I got off the 84.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★