Cottonwood Canyon State Park

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.

The iconic John Day River is a long, remote, natural river system, with 252 free-flowing miles. The lower John Day River offers one of the best spring and fall wild steelhead runs in Northeast Oregon. Anglers also come for catfish and smallmouth bass. J.S. Burres, across the river, is a popular boat launch for rafts, kayaks, canoes and drift boats.

The park is also open to hunting outside the developed area. It is the responsibility of the hunter to stay current on regulations. Check the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife website for information.

Visitors may see Rocky Mountain elk, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, coyotes, white-tailed jackrabbit, big horn sheep, and all manner of smaller mammals. Both migratory and resident bird populations are a treat, especially for raptor lovers. The rocky landscape also invites reptiles, including at least six species of lizards, western rattlesnakes and various nonvenomous snakes. April and May put on a show of wildflowers.

Year-round Camping

Lone Tree Campground

The Lone Tree Campground sits near the John Day River and offers a primitive camping experience with potable water and vault toilets nearby; ADA showers and flush toilets are within walking distance. See the park map for location of site types and amenities. Available sites:

• 21 Primitive sites
  • Reservable April – Oct
  • First-come, first served Nov – March
  • Accommodate tents and self-contained RVs (max site size 75 feet)
  • No hook-ups
  • Picnic tables and fire rings at each site

• 14 Walk-in tent sites (first-come, first-served)
  • Parking nearby
  • Designated tent pads
  • Picnic tables at each site
  • Shared fire rings
  • Solar charging stations
  • Central shade shelter
  • Some sites have a structure to block wind

• Group tent camp
  • Up to 25 people
  • Can support up to 3 self-contained RVs
  • Nearest restroom: vault toilet

Rustic Cabins

4 rustic cabins (2 pet-friendly) are open year-round by reservation only

• Nearest restroom: ADA restroom with flush toilets and showers

Backcountry Camping

Backcountry camping is allowed on a hike-in basis—no dispersed vehicle camping is permitted. This includes the BLM land surrounding the park and Starvation Lane, which are managed by Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. Those looking to backpack may park at any trailhead, and must hike a minimum 1 mile before setting up camp. Please be sure to contact park staff with any questions relating to your trip.

Group Facilities

Groups can reserve the Experience Center (50 people max) and picnic shelter (50 people max) by calling the park office at 541-739-2322 x0, or in person at 89600 Biggs Rufus Highway.

Hiking 

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 is 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.

Know Before You Go

Campfires are typically prohibited during the summer months. 

Cottonwood Canyon is remote, rugged and deliberately undeveloped. A few basic steps can help you stay safe.

• Have a plan for your day, and tell somebody about it. There is no cell phone coverage anywhere in the park.
• Carry plenty of water—20 ounces per person, per hour for hiking in hot sun is recommended. Potable water is available only at the developed day-use area and in the campground.
• Rattlesnakes and cougars live here. Leave the snakes alone; they will not bite unless threatened. To avoid cougars, always hike in groups and make noise to announce your presence. Report any cougar sightings to park staff.
• Ticks are most active in spring and early summer and live in long grass and brush. The best defenses are vigilance and avoidance.