12 Under-Appreciated State Parks In Oregon You’re Sure To Love

From coast to desert, Oregon is packed full of amazing places to explore. Check out these 12 wondrous, lesser-known state parks to visit in Oregon. The unique beauty of the Beaver State knows no bounds!

1. Oswald West State Park

Located south of the iconic Cannon Beach, Oswald West State Park is an amazing nature area on the Oregon Coast that's full of picturesque scenery, old growth forests, hiking trails, hidden beaches, vast coastal views, and more.

To learn more, visit Oswald State Park's website.

2. White River Falls State Park

White River Falls State Park is a gorgeous hidden gem located near the Typh Valley in Wasco County. It's a great place to picnic, hike, visit an abandoned hydropower plant, and explore the stunning White River Falls. Visit White River Falls State Park's website to learn more.

3. Harris Beach State Park

Harris Beach is a unique stretch of coastline near Brookings. The tranquil landscape is dotted with incredible sea stacks, and there's a wonderful campsite beside the beach where you can fall asleep listening to the sound of waves crashing nearby. To learn more, visit Harris Beach State Park's website.

4. Wallowa Lake State Park

Located at the base of the Wallowa Mountains in northeastern Oregon, Wallowa Lake is a spectacular body of water surrounded by mountain peaks. It's a great summer destination, where you can camp, hike, fish, swim, boat, and more. To learn more, visit Wallowa Lake State Park's website.

5. Cascadia State Park

Located in Linn County, Cascadia State Park is home to incredible hiking trails, campsites, woodsy scenery, the South Santiam River, Lower Soda Creek Falls, and more. To learn more, visit Cascadia State Park's website.

6. Fort Stevens State Park

Located on the northwestern tip of Oregon, Fort Stevens State Park is a truly one of a kind place. This oceanside state park is full of history and natural beauty. It's home to an incredible shipwreck (pictured above) and an abandoned military fort, as well as numerous hiking trails, a campsite, and expansive, breathtaking scenery. For more information, check out Fort Stevens State Park's website.

7. Cape Lookout State Park

As its name insinuates, Cape Lookout State Park is packed full of breathtaking views. Located in Tillamook County, this waterfront state park also has beaches, amazing hiking trails, a campground, picturesque bluffs, and more. For more information, check out Cape Lookout State Park's website.

8. Tumalo State Park

Located in Central Oregon near the city of Bend, Tumalo State Park is a perfect destination for a day trip or overnight getaway. You can view waterfalls, fish, hike, swim, camp, and more. Check out Tumalo State Park's website to learn more.

9. Ecola State Park

This amazing state park is made up of a nine-mile expanse of the Oregon Coast, in which you'll unforgettable hiking trails, sandy coves, mountaintop views, tide pools, and more. Check out Ecola State Park's website for more information.

10. Nehalem Bay State Park

Rimmed to the north by Neahkahnie Mountain, Nehalem Bay State Park is a wondrous place where you'll find rolling sand dunes, a campsite, pristine beaches, an amphitheater, and of course, amazing ocean views. Visit Nehalem Bay State Park's website to learn more.

11. Cottonwood Canyon State Park

Cottonwood Canyon State Park is a little known Oregon destination located in north central Oregon. The park is centered around a unique high desert canyon formed over the years by the beautiful John Day River. It's a great place for fishing, hiking, and more, and it just so happens to be the second biggest state park in Oregon. To learn more, visit Cottonwood Canyon State Park's website.

12. Shore Acres State Park

Shore Acres State Park is a wonderful place that you have to see to believe. The two main elements of the park are the marvelous, intricately manicured botanical garden, and the rocky shoreline where you'll find truly breathtaking views. To learn more, visit Shore Acres State Park's website.

Have you been to any of these hidden gems? What are your favorite state parks to visit in Oregon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

For more outdoor adventures, check out these incredible natural wonders in Oregon.