Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Wasco, OR, US / OR
Location Description
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 park’s 8,000-plus acres are open for exploring, stargazing and contemplating the elemental forces that carved this unique landscape. Hiking, camping, fishing, and river rafting are among the recreation possibilities in the park. A campground with 21 primitive sites, 7 sites for hikers and bikers, a group camping area, portable water, and a restroom are near the park headquarters and the information building.[2] Hiking trails include Pinnacles, in Sherman County, and Lost Corral, in Gilliam County, each of which follows the river downstream for 4.3 miles (6.9 km) 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 travels 1.5 miles one way and 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. If you’re an angler, the John Day River has steelhead, catfish, carp and smallmouth bass. As an added bonus, there’s another 10,000 acres of public land surrounding the park managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.
Location Category
- ACCOMMODATIONS - [general]
- PARKS - [general]
- PARKS - State Parks
