Benson State Recreation Area offers fishing, swimming, boating in nonmotorized boats, picnicking, group picnic shelters, and disc golf.

Picnickers love this park; there’s even a disc golf course and a reservable shelter for groups.
Free Fishing Day is an annual event around the first weekend of June (call 1-800-551-6949 for details). Anyone can bring their own pole (or use equipment provided) to try their luck catching some of the thousands of rainbow trout stocked each month into the lake between March and October. This is a non-motorboat lake, so it’s perfect for rowboats and swimmers.

Vital stats: $3 daily day-use fee or buy a $25 annual permit for access to all state park day-use areas. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.

: Climate in this region changes with elevation. The area receives a high amount of precipitation. Much of the precipitation comes from October to April in the form of rain at the low elevations and as wet heavy snow in the higher elevations. Winter temperatures are normally cool at the lower elevations and cold at the higher elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent and does not stay on the ground for long. Late spring, summer and early autumn bring the best chance for clear, sunny days and bring moderate temperatures.

Location: Benson State Recreation Area is located 30 miles east of Portland and one mile west of Multnomah Falls on I-84 at milepost 30 (eastbound access only).

Contact Info: Oregon Parks & Recreation Department1115 Commercial Street NESalemOR97301-1002541-563-3220