Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint |
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Looking southeast from the park.
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| Type | Public, state |
| Location | Yamhill County, Oregon |
| Nearest city | Newberg |
| Area | 26 acres (11 ha) |
| Operated by | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
| Status | Day use only |
| Parking | Yes |
Bald Peak State Scenic Viewpoint is a fun state park in Oregon. It sits high up on Bald Peak in Yamhill County. This park is great for a day trip! You can have a picnic and walk on a trail. From here, you'll see amazing views of the Willamette Valley and the Cascade Range mountains. The state of Oregon got this 26-acre park in 1931. It happened after nearby counties asked the state to create it.
Contents
Park History
How the Park Started
Bald Peak became a state park in 1931. Officials from Washington and Yamhill counties really wanted a park for their areas. So, they asked the state parks commission to create one. The land was bought from Samuel Otto on June 4, 1931. It was first called Bald Peak State Park.
Building the Park
During the Great Depression, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build parts of the park. The CCC was a program that gave jobs to young men. They built picnic tables, restrooms, and a parking area at Bald Peak. Since the mid-1930s, local churches have held an annual Easter service at the park. This tradition still continues today!
Keeping the Park Open
In 1939, state officials thought about making the park a memorial for Oregon's pioneer women. But they decided against it because the park didn't have water and was far from main roads.
Later, in 1996, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department thought about closing Bald Peak. This was because of money problems in the state budget. More than 50 parks were at risk! But people spoke up and put pressure on the department. Because of this, Bald Peak and the other parks stayed open.
What You'll See at Bald Peak
Location and Views
Bald Peak is on top of the Chehalem Mountains. It's the highest point in the range, reaching about 1,629 feet (497 meters) above sea level. The park is 26 acres big. It's located between the cities of Hillsboro to the north and Newberg to the south. It's also near the border between Yamhill and Washington counties.
Park Features
At the park, you'll find restrooms, picnic tables, and a parking area. There's also a trail to explore. The park has a forest with tall Douglas fir trees. Just remember, there's no drinking water available, so bring your own!
On a clear day, the views from Bald Peak are incredible! You can see several famous mountains like Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mount Jefferson, Mount Adams, and Mount Rainier. You'll also get wide views of the Tualatin Valley to the north and the Yamhill Valley to the south. Both of these valleys are part of the larger Willamette Valley.
