Deschutes River State Recreation Area

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Deschutes River State Recreation Area
Confluence of the Deschutes and the Columbia, as viewed from near the hiking trail on December 25, 2003
Confluence of the Deschutes and the Columbia, as viewed from near the hiking trail on December 25, 2003
Type Public, state
Location Sherman County, Oregon, United States
Coordinates 45°38′01″N 120°54′35″W / 45.6334862, -120.909605Coordinates: 45°38′01″N 120°54′35″W / 45.6334862, -120.909605
Size 35.1 acres
Operated by Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department
Status Open

The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a park at the confluence of the Deschutes and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is a few miles east of The Dalles. The 35.1-acre park offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trail riding.

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[edit] History

Originally named Deschutes State Park, the chamber of commerce in The Dalles pushed for a state park at the location beginning in 1955.[1] After years of studies, the state acquired the first tract of land on January 25, 1963, when it purchased 30 acres from the Columbia-Deschutes Power Company.[1] On April 25, 1963, 5.1 acres were purchased from the Miller family and added to the park.[1]

[edit] Details

Deschutes River is one of 28 state parks in Oregon with year-round campgrounds.[2] Camping is available at 33 recreational vehicle sites or 25 tent sites.[3] Additionally, the park is along the Oregon Trail and rents a covered wagon for camping.[3] The park includes showers, mowed lawns, and wildlife viewing.[3] Hiking and biking opportunities include a trail named for former governor Victor G. Atiyeh that runs along the Deschutes.[4] Hunting is also available for pheasant, Chukar, and Hungarian partridge during designated seasons for each.[5] Located on the east shore of the Deschutes River, Heritage Landing boat ramp is on the opposite shore of the park,[3] with the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area about one mile upriver.[6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c Armstrong, Chester H. Oregon State Parks: History, 1917-1963. [Salem, Or.]: Oregon State Highway Dept, 1965. p. 116-117.
  2. ^ Gault, Roy. Trail transition. Statesman Journal, November 9, 2006.
  3. ^ a b c d Richard, Terry. Weekend getaways / Sunny Eastern Gorge. The Oregonian, March 13, 2005.
  4. ^ Mapes, Jeff. Deschutes River canyon trails exhilarate cyclists; Even beginners fall in love with the spectacular vistas and challenging terrain. The Oregonian, August 6, 2000.
  5. ^ Foden-Vencil, Kristian. Off-season delights. The Oregonian, November 16, 1995.
  6. ^ Gault, Roy. Wildlife Viewing. Statesman Journal, March 16, 2007.

[edit] External links