Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To 5 Of Oregon's Least-Visited State Parks
By Sarah McCosham|Published April 13, 2022
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
In a state that’s world famous for its outdoor recreation, it should come as no surprise that the Oregon State Parks system is one of the largest in the country. Oregon is home to a whopping 245 state parks that offer visitors incredible experiences in a variety of environments and terrain. With so many state parks, there are some that tend to steal the spotlight time and time again, and many others that remain relatively, criminally, unknown. So today we’re turning our attention to the little guys: the least-visited state parks in Oregon worth visiting. Gas up the car and get ready to road trip to some truly spectacular state parks in Oregon!
This road trip leads to five of the least-visited state parks in Oregon. We concentrated on parks in the south-central region of the state, and you'll find opportunities for overnight accommodations at many of the sites.
Located on the resplendent Deschutes River, Tumalo State Park has a lot to offer visitors year-round. How about trout fishing and hiking in the summer, and skiing and boarding at nearby Mt. Bachelor in the winter? You can do it all here -- and then some! You'll find 23 full hookup sites and more than 50 tent sites, but you'll want to note that some of the areas are only available seasonally.
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Goose Lake State Park
Goose Lake State Park, 97003 State Line Rd, New Pine Creek, OR 97635, USA
Located on the border of Oregon and California, Goose Lake State Park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. It's a glimpse into the wild and untamed landscape of Oregon, and one of the most beautiful places to camp in the PNW.
Booth State Scenic Corridor is a little-known Oregon State Park that's a treasure trove of old-growth forests and ponderosa pines. A haven for local birds and wildlife, you'll find all sorts of coyotes, mule deer, and cougars here. This park is especially colorful in the fall, thanks to its myriad trees and forests.
Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site
Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site, Chiloquin, OR 97624, USA
This ravishing Oregon State Park is located just north of Klamath Falls on the Wood River. It's actually the least-visited Oregon State Park, which is a total travesty. Located at the headwaters of the Wood River, you'll find gorgeous aspen forests, primitive camping, and plenty of excellent fishing opportunities at this glorious gem.
LaPine State Park
State Recreation Road, State Recreation Rd, Oregon, USA
Circling back up to central Oregon, LaPine State Park is a treasure of a place in Sunriver. Anglers love this park for its river fishing, though it's a quiet, peaceful spot for all varieties of outdoor recreation.
How many of these least-visited state parks in Oregon have you visited before? What’s your favorite Oregon State Park? Share it with us in the comments below!
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