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Benson State Recreation Area stretches along the southern shore of the Columbia River, a mile west of Multnomah Falls. The park features a disc golf course, a reservable group picnic shelter and a peaceful lake for swimming and fishing.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks Benson Lake with thousands of fish from March to October. A paved path from the parking lot leads to an accessible fishing dock. Benson Lake has no dock and allows non-motorized boating only (boats must be carried a short distance).

The park’s namesake is lumberman Simon Benson, who donated the land. One of the principal promoters of the Historic Columbia River Highway, he helped fund several other landmarks in Portland and the Gorge, including Benson Bridge that crosses Multnomah Falls.

Note: The park is accessible to eastbound traffic only, from exit #30.