Deschutes River State Recreation Area

Columbia River Gorge

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The Deschutes River, Oregon's second largest, cuts through central Oregon and meets the Columbia at this fine state park, 15 miles east of The Dalles. There are expansive green lawns and beautiful riverside campsites here; reserve in summer.

From the south end of the park, riverside hiking trails pass old homesteads, springs and groves of willow and locust trees. Keep an eye out for raptors and migrating songbirds.

There is also a mountain biking trail (originally a rail bed) that runs about 17 miles upriver from here.

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

    Columbia Gorge Discovery Center

    14.91 MILES

    This excellent museum covers the history of the gorge, from its creation by cataclysmic floods to the hardships pioneers had traversing it, to early…

  • Maryhill Museum of Art

    Maryhill Museum of Art

    3.72 MILES

    If you've ever wondered about that expression, 'What in Sam Hill?,' here's your answer: this museum in a hilltop mansion was founded by Sam Hill (1857…

  • Columbia Hills Historical State Park

    Columbia Hills Historical State Park

    9.82 MILES

    Some of the most famous remaining pictographs (painted figures) along the Columbia River are at this Washington state park, site of a Native American…

  • Stonehenge Memorial

    Stonehenge Memorial

    6.46 MILES

    Not one for small gestures, businessman Sam Hill built a full-scale replica of Salisbury Plain's Stonehenge on the cliffs above the Columbia River…

  • Rowena Crest

    Rowena Crest

    19.46 MILES

    On top of Rowena Crest are spectacular views and vast meadows now preserved as a wildflower sanctuary. Governor Tom McCall Reserve, on Rowena Plateau, is…

  • History Museum of Hood River County

    History Museum of Hood River County

    29.7 MILES

    This worthwhile museum depicts the history of Hood River County and the mid-Columbia River region, with displays on Native American artifacts and quirky…

  • Fort Dalles Museum

    Fort Dalles Museum

    14.4 MILES

    This museum was once part of an 1856 fort and is Oregon's oldest history museum. It's a fascinating place full of historical items; highlights include an…

  • National Neon Sign Museum

    National Neon Sign Museum

    13.73 MILES

    Housed in the magnificent, late-1800s Elks building, this fun, 'flashy' and educational museum is a fantastic new addition to The Dalles. You'll start…

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Nearby Columbia River Gorge attractions

1. Maryhill Museum of Art

3.72 MILES

If you've ever wondered about that expression, 'What in Sam Hill?,' here's your answer: this museum in a hilltop mansion was founded by Sam Hill (1857…

2. Stonehenge Memorial

6.46 MILES

Not one for small gestures, businessman Sam Hill built a full-scale replica of Salisbury Plain's Stonehenge on the cliffs above the Columbia River…

3. Goldendale Observatory State Park

6.49 MILES

Goldendale Observatory State Park is a 5-acre educational park with an awesome telescope, located atop a 2100ft-elevation hill. It's undergoing…

4. Columbia Hills Historical State Park

9.82 MILES

Some of the most famous remaining pictographs (painted figures) along the Columbia River are at this Washington state park, site of a Native American…

5. The Dalles Dam & Lock

11.27 MILES

The Dalles Dam, built in 1957, produces enough electricity to power 800,000 homes. Access to this power came at a price, however. The dam's reservoir,…

6. Sherman County Historical Museum

13.26 MILES

This small-town museum in Moro has some surprisingly interesting exhibits, including on the history of wheat production, Native Americans and rural living…

7. National Neon Sign Museum

13.73 MILES

Housed in the magnificent, late-1800s Elks building, this fun, 'flashy' and educational museum is a fantastic new addition to The Dalles. You'll start…

8. Fort Dalles Museum

14.4 MILES

This museum was once part of an 1856 fort and is Oregon's oldest history museum. It's a fascinating place full of historical items; highlights include an…