Oregon's Best-Kept Secret Is Its Second-Largest State Park Brimming With Deep Scenic Canyons

Central Oregon is a magical place of sunshine, open skies, and high desert wonder. This rugged, enthralling landscape stretches out in the shadow of the Cascade Range and is home to river gorges, crystalline lakes, vast stands of pine, and charming towns, and can easily be explored on this road trip that highlights many of the state's hidden gems and top attractions.

The region's two great rivers are the Deschutes — where you will find another scenic state park in the sunny heart of Oregon — and the John Day, a no less majestic flow that sees far fewer visitors than her more famous sister. Not far from the town of the Dalles is Cottonwood Canyon State Park, a 8,000-acre preserve along one of the John Day's most impressive stretches, and a must-visit for any nature lovers who find themselves in the area.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is not only Oregon's second-largest, it's also one of the Beaver State's best-kept secrets, a wonderland for camping, hiking, birding, fishing, or allowing the gentle flow of the John Day to carry you in a kayak, raft, or canoe. It's a terrific escape for anyone seeking solitude and the outdoor bliss that Central Oregon has been so generously blessed with.

Occupying a former ranch, Cottonwood Canyon State Park was established in 2013 and stretches out along 14 miles of picturesque gorge on the John Day River, with plenty of opportunities for hiking on both sides. Many people come to the canyon to camp at one of the 21 primitive sites or 14 walk-in tent sites the park has on offer. There are also four cabins available for rent, a few group sites, as well as the option of backcountry camping (as long as you walk at least a mile in from the trailhead). 

The John Day is one of the Pacific Northwest's wildest rivers, flowing freely for 252 miles from its headwaters in the Strawberry Range to its confluence with the mighty Columbia. Two of the park's hiking paths, the Pinnacles Trail and the Lost Corral Trail, follow the river on opposite sides for 4.3 miles each way. Hikers and bikers can also head inland on their own by exploring some of the old ranch roads.  

Anglers flock to the John Day in the spring and fall for its wild steelhead runs, though it's also possible to hook into smallmouth bass or catfish any time of the year. The John Day is also a terrific river to float, and you can put in your boat at the J.S. Burres day-use site directly next to the Cottonwood Bridge. 

In addition to its jaw-dropping natural landscape and great opportunities for outdoor adventure, Cottonwood Canyon State Park is also an ideal spot for birding and viewing wildlife. The canyon is home to a variety of avian species including chukar, partridges, warblers, orioles, and flycatchers. It's also a haven for raptors such as hawks, golden eagles, turkey vultures, and owls. In addition, it's not uncommon to come across large animals such as mule deer, coyotes, Rocky Mountain elk, bighorn sheep, as well as cougars.

It's important to know how to protect yourself from animals when hiking. When it comes to cougars, try to hike in groups and make plenty of noise to warn them of your approach in order to exercise maximum safety. The nooks and crannies of the canyon are also perfect habitat for reptiles such as lizards, non-venomous snakes, as well as rattlesnakes. Rattlesnakes are shy by nature and will not bite unless directly threatened or bothered, so if you come across any, keep your distance and just leave them alone. Ticks are also active in the long grass and brush in the early summer, so exercise caution. For more of Oregon's untamed nature splendor, check out this gorgeous lake with Switzerland-like views.