Ontario offers opportunities for picnicking, fishing, boating, swimming and wildlife viewing.

Green grass, clean grounds, and modern restrooms greet visitors stopping to boat, fish, swim or picnic for the day. Majestic cottonwood trees, sumac and fragrant junipers offer large splashes of shade to cool the hot summer days and provide startling color in the autumn.

Whether you are a serious naturalist or a casual visitor, Ontario is a great place to enjoy bird-watching and other wildlife. Blue heron, Canada geese, river otter, and muskrat are found in the reeds and grass along the shores of the Snake River. Deer feed on a nearby island and are sometimes visible in the early morning mist. Bring your binoculars, picnic basket, boat or fishing pole. Ontario State Recreation Site can be a day away from it all.

Vital stats: There is no fee to use this park.

: Climate in Eastern Oregon varies greatly with elevation. The higher elevations experience colder temperatures and higher precipitation than the lower elevations. The region is much more arid and experiences greater temperature variations than western Oregon. Much of Eastern Oregon is considered high desert, where in some areas annual precipitation is less than 10 inches. Summer temperatures often reach 90 degrees in the lower elevations. Winters can be bitterly cold here, although there is little humidity. The mountains can receive heavy snowfall. If visiting the region during the summer months be prepared for afternoon thunderstorms and chilly evening temperatures. Snow may be encountered on high country trails throughout the summer months.

Location: Ontario State Recreation Site is located off I-84, 1 mile north of the town of Ontario, on the Snake River.

Contact Info: Oregon Parks & Recreation Department1115 Commercial Street NESalemOR97301-1002800-551-6949