CATHERINE CREEK STATE PARK
Tranquil, crystal-clear waters and towering ponderosa pines frame the landscape at Catherine Creek State Park. Cradled in a canyon created by the creek, the park provides visitors a cool, quiet and peaceful setting for outdoor activities. Camp in the campground next to Catherine Creek and enjoy the thrill of landing a rainbow trout or simply cool your heels in its icy waters.
Bring your friends or family and enjoy a day in our picnic area: play a game of horseshoes, take a leisurely hike along the trail between the campground and picnic area for views of picturesque canyon scenery, or simply kick back under a tree and enjoy the summer breeze through the pines.
While staying at the park, explore nearby attractions such as the Union County Museum in the town of Union, take a drive to Eagle Creek to do some fishing or visit any of the many pioneer graveyards. Drive to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City, or head east to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and the Wallowa Whitman National Forest. The towns of Union and LaGrande offer visitors full-service shopping, restaurants, community events and emergency services. Whether you are looking for a quiet, out-of-the-way location to spend a night or a week, Catherine Creek State Park can accommodate you.
Located in the northeastern region of Oregon, this natural haven was established as a state park in 1953. The area is named after Catherine Creek that flows through it and eventually merges with John Day River.
The land where the park now stands has been inhabited by indigenous tribes for thousands of years before European settlers arrived. It served as an important hunting ground due to its rich wildlife population including deer, elk, and various bird species.
In the late 19th century during westward expansion era, pioneers began settling around what would later become known as Union County's serene retreat spot. They were attracted by fertile soil suitable for farming along with abundant water supply from nearby creeks.
By mid-20th century recognizing its potential both ecologically and recreationally; local authorities decided to protect these lands under State Park status ensuring preservation while allowing public access.
Since then it has grown into one of Eastern Oregon's most popular outdoor destinations offering activities such hiking trails winding through dense forests filled with Ponderosa pines or fishing opportunities within creek itself which teems trout among other fish varieties.
Catherine Creek State Park in Oregon is a day-use park and does not offer camping facilities. However, there are several nearby campgrounds where you can stay:
1. Hilgard Junction State Park: This campground offers 18 RV sites with electricity and water hookups.
2. Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area: Located at an elevation of 4,000 feet in the Blue Mountains, this state heritage area has both tent campsites and cabins available for rent.
3. Union Creek Campground: Situated near Phillips Lake, it provides options for standard single site to group site accommodations suitable for tents or RVs.
4. Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort's Elk Horn Crest Trailhead Camping Site: It's about one hour drive from Catherine creek but they have great amenities including picnic tables & fire pits.
5. Grande Hot Springs Resort: They provide full hookup pull-thru rv sites ,tenting areas as well as yurts.
6. Mt Emily Recreation Area (MERA): Offers primitive camping spots that are first-come-first-serve basis.