Cottonwood Canyon State Park, State park along John Day River, Oregon, United States
Cottonwood Canyon spans 8,000 acres with vertical cliffs, deep side canyons, and arid grasslands crossed by the John Day River flowing through basalt formations.
The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department established this protected natural area in January 2013, transforming former ranch land into a public recreation space.
Native American communities utilized this section of the John Day River for fishing and gathering activities, leaving behind artifacts and historical traces.
The Lone Tree Campground provides tent sites with access to potable water and vault toilets, while four cabins offer year-round accommodation options.
The park contains one of the longest stretches of undammed river in North America, supporting populations of wild steelhead and smallmouth bass.
Location: Oregon
Inception: 2013
Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=195
GPS coordinates: 45.47837,-120.47233
Latest update: March 3, 2025 14:25
Oregon offers a notable diversity of geological formations and natural landscapes ranging from the Pacific coastline to the volcanic plateaus of the eastern portion of the state. The Cascade Range dominates western Oregon with dense forests, waterfalls, and thermal springs, while the dry east features desert areas, deep canyons, and extinct volcanic cones. The rugged coastline extends for 363 miles (584 km) and displays rock arches, historic lighthouses, and protected coastal sections. The region's geological history includes volcanic activity, lava flows, and rock layers dating back millions of years. The collection includes natural hot springs such as Bagby Hot Springs, waterfalls like Abiqua Falls and Toketee Falls, and volcanic areas including Newberry National Volcanic Monument and Fort Rock. Coastal sites range from Cape Meares Lighthouse to Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor, while the interior presents locations such as the Painted Hills, the Alvord Desert, and the Owyhee Canyonlands. Lost Lake provides views of Mount Hood, Waldo Lake is known for its clarity, and Wizard Island rises from Crater Lake. The Steens Mountain Wilderness reaches elevations exceeding 9,000 feet (2,743 m), and Hells Canyon forms one of the deepest gorges in North America. These sites represent the geological processes and natural systems that have shaped Oregon across geological time.
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