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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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USA Parks
Oregon
Willamette Valley Region
Bowers Rock State Park
Bowers Rock State Park © ronald borst
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BOWERS ROCK STATE PARK
BOWERS ROCK STATE PARK
525 Trade Southeast Street
Albany, Oregon   97321
(lat:44.6322 lon:-123.1574) map location

Phone: 800-551-6949
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department OPRD, in partnership with the Calapooia Watershed Council, CWC worked toward moving forward with the restoration of OPRDs Bowers Rock State Park for several years. The project became fully funded in 2019 . The restoration at Bowers Rock State Park got underway in August 2020. The project had to be halted for a week due to the unprecedented wildfires that our state experienced. The work commenced once the rains had fallen and the air quality improved.
History of the Area
Bowers Rock State Park, located in Oregon, has a rich history that dates back centuries. The area where the park now stands was once inhabited by indigenous tribes who relied on its abundant natural resources for their livelihoods. These Native American communities thrived here for generations before European settlers arrived.

During the 19th century, pioneers began to explore and settle this region of Oregon. They recognized the beauty and potential of Bowers Rock's landscape with its towering cliffs, lush forests, and meandering rivers. As more people discovered this hidden gem nestled within nature's embrace, it became an increasingly popular destination among outdoor enthusiasts.

In the early 20th century, efforts were made to preserve Bowers Rock as a public space due to growing concerns about industrialization encroaching upon pristine wilderness areas across America. Local conservationists rallied together to protect these lands from development pressures while ensuring future generations could enjoy them too.

Finally recognizing its ecological significance and recreational value in 1932 - when it officially became part of Oregon's state parks system - Bowers Rock received legal protection against any further exploitation or destruction through legislation passed at both local and state levels.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. The Willamette River, which runs through the area, is ideal for canoeing and kayaking with its calm waters. There are also opportunities to go rafting or motorboating on this river. However, there aren't any boat rentals available within the park itself so you'll need to bring your own equipment or rent from nearby facilities outside of it.
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a serene environment with options for bank and boat angling. Species include largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, bullhead catfish and common carp.



Trails
1. Bowers Rock Loop Trail: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the Willamette River and surrounding forest areas.

2. Riverside Trail: A relatively flat, easy-to-navigate path running along the river's edge for about 3 miles with opportunities to spot local wildlife like beavers, otters or various bird species.

3. Oak Savannah Pathway: An approximately one mile long pathway through an open oak savannah landscape offering beautiful wildflower displays in springtime.

4. Wetland Boardwalks Trails: These are short trails featuring wooden boardwalks over wetlands providing close-up encounters with marsh plants and animals without disturbing their habitat; ideal for families with children due to its ease of access and educational value.

5. Forested Upland Hiking Paths: Several interconnected paths winding up into higher elevations within park boundaries showcasing diverse plant life including Douglas firs, bigleaf maples etc., some reaching lengths upto four miles round trip depending on chosen route combinations.

6. Bower's Peak Lookout Point Track: Steep uphill track leading towards highest point inside state park rewarding hikers panoramic vistas across entire region after roughly two hours hike from base area.

7. Riverfront Fishing Access Route: Short half:a-mile walk down gentle slope directly onto riverside fishing spots popular among locals during salmon runs seasonally.

8. Wildlife Observation Walkways: Network of narrow footpaths crisscrossing meadows frequented by deer herds at dawn/dusk times allowing quiet observation chances especially early morning/late evening periods.

9. Picnic Area Connector Routes: Multiple small pathways linking main hiking routes together ensuring convenient reachability between picnic sites spread throughout woodland sections.

10. Historic Homestead Exploration Tracks: Few off:beaten tracks guiding visitors around remnants old pioneer homestead structures scattered amidst dense woods adding historical context overall outdoor experience.

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Area Campgrounds
Country Squire MH & RV Resort
4000 Blue Ox Drive Southeast
Albany, OR
541-926-2886
Albany / Corvallis KOA Journey
33775 Oakville Road North
Albany, OR
541-967-8521
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Start by heading west on Highway 26 from Portland.
2. Continue driving for approximately 30 miles until you reach the town of Banks.
3. In Banks, turn left onto NW Main Street and continue straight for about half a mile.
4. At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on NW Main Street/Highway 47 North.
5. Drive northbound on Highway 47 for around 15 miles until you reach Vernonia Junction.
6. At Vernonia Junction, merge onto US:26 West/Nehalem Hwy towards Seaside/Astoria and drive for another approximate distance of 10 miles.

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Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

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