Tumalo State Park

Tumalo State Park is a recreation area along the Deschutes River covering about 330 acres on both sides of the water. The land features reddish basalt cliffs, western juniper and ponderosa pine trees that grow down to the riverbank, creating a dry mountain landscape.

The area became a state park in 1954 when Deschutes County transferred the first 115 acres to Oregon. A second parcel of 191 acres was added in 1972, bringing the park to its current size.

The river was an important gathering place for indigenous peoples who fished and collected plants here for centuries. Visitors today can sense this deep connection between the land and the people who lived along its banks.

The park offers camping sites for tents and trailers with utility hookups, plus simple yurt cabins for shorter stays. Visitors will find solar-powered showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities throughout the grounds.

The park is home to various bird species including mountain chickadees, western meadowlarks, and great blue herons that nest along the river cliffs. These flying inhabitants are a notable part of the ecosystem and frequently visible to visitors.

Location: Deschutes County

Inception: 1954

Website: http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=34

GPS coordinates: 44.12710,-121.33200

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43