Deschutes River State Recreation Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deschutes River State Recreation Area |
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Confluence of the Deschutes and the Columbia, as viewed from near the hiking trail on December 25, 2003
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| Type | Public, state |
| Location | Sherman County, Oregon |
| Nearest city | The Dalles |
| Area | 35.1 acres (14.2 ha) |
| Operated by | Oregon Parks and Recreation Department |
| Status | Open |
The Deschutes River State Recreation Area is a fun park where the Deschutes River meets the big Columbia River. It's located in the state of Oregon in the United States. You can find it a few miles east of a town called The Dalles. This park is about 35 acres big, which is like 26 football fields! It's a great place for camping, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and even riding horses on trails.
How the Park Started
People in The Dalles really wanted a state park here. They started asking for it way back in 1955. After many years of planning and studies, the state of Oregon bought the first piece of land for the park in 1963. This first part was 30 acres and was bought from a company called Columbia-Deschutes Power Company. Later in 1963, another 5.1 acres were bought from the Miller family, making the park even bigger.
What to Do at the Park
Deschutes River State Recreation Area is one of the special parks in Oregon where you can camp all year round. Even in winter, you can camp, but the water might be turned off.
- Camping: There are 34 campsites ready for RVs (Recreational Vehicles) with electricity and water. There are also 25 simpler campsites where you can pitch a tent, with drinking water and restrooms nearby.
- Oregon Trail: The park is right along the historic Oregon Trail. You can even rent a covered wagon to sleep in, just like the pioneers!
- Park Features: The park has showers, nice grassy areas, and lots of chances to see wildlife.
- Trails: If you like to hike or bike, there's a special trail named after a former governor, Victor G. Atiyeh. This trail follows along the Deschutes River.
- Hunting: During certain times of the year, you can hunt for birds like pheasant, chukar, and Hungarian partridge.
- Boat Ramp: There's a boat ramp called Heritage Landing on the other side of the Deschutes River from the main park entrance. Close by, about a mile upriver, is the Lower Deschutes Wildlife Area, a place where animals live safely.
