BROOKS MEMORIAL STATE PARK
Brooks Memorial State Park is a 682-acre, seasonal camping park located between the barren hills of the south Yakima Valley and the lodgepole pine forests of the Simcoe Mountains.
The park provides a variety of natural environments for visitors to enjoy. Over nine miles of hiking trails lead along the Little Klickitat River and up through Ponderosa and Oregon Pine forests. At the top are open mountain meadows with a panoramic view of Mount Hood. Visitors may see deer, beaver dams, squirrels, spring wildflowers and a variety of birds.
The park features a monument to the Honorable Nelson B. Brooks. Nature talks are given to groups at the Environmental Learning Center ELC upon request. Tours and programs may be arranged through park rangers. Call the park at 509 773-4611 for more information.
Acquired in six parcels between 1944 and 1957, Brooks Memorial State Park is named for and dedicated to area citizen Nelson B. Brooks, who is credited with establishing an excellent community road system.
A Discover Pass is required for vehicle access to Washington state parks for day use. For more information about the Discover Pass and exemptions, please visit the
Discover Pass web page.
The park has 22 standard sites, 23 full-hookup sites, dump station, restroom and two showers. Electrical sites have 50 amp hookups. Water is available in hookup sites from mid-April to late October.
The park provides a group camp that accommodates a maximum of six RVs and 20 to 50 people. There are no power outlets for RVs. The camp has a fire ring, picnic tables, two pit toilets, water and a volleyball net.
Brooks Memorial State Park is
Two kitchen shelters with picnic tables, sinks and electricity are available first-come, first-served. There is a restroom.
For biking enthusiasts, there are several trails to explore. Be aware that some paths may be challenging due to elevation changes.
Mountain bikers can enjoy over 9 miles of rugged terrain. However, these routes require a high level of skill and fitness.
The park's mixed-use trail system is open for cyclists too but remember it's shared with hikers so proceed cautiously.
Cycling on the paved roads within the area is also an option; however traffic should always be taken into account.
Ensure you have proper safety gear as certain areas might get steep or rocky which could lead to accidents if not careful enough.
Always check weather conditions before setting out since wet surfaces increase risk factors significantly while cycling in such terrains.
Remember: respect nature by staying on marked trails only - this protects both wildlife habitats and your own personal safety!
1. South Loop Trail: This 2-mile trail is perfect for beginners, offering a gentle climb through the park's mixed forest.
2. North Loop Trail: A slightly more challenging route of approximately 3 miles that takes hikers up to higher elevations with stunning views over the surrounding landscape.
3. Brooks Memorial Overlook Trail: An easy half mile hike leading to an overlook providing panoramic vistas of Mount Adams and Mount Hood on clear days.
4. Little Klickitat River Trails: These trails follow along the river bank, varying in length from one-half mile to two miles long; they offer beautiful water views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.
5. Pine Forest Pathway: Approximately three-quarters of a mile long pathway winding its way through dense pine forests ideal for bird watching enthusiasts.
6. Swale Canyon Track: Roughly four-miles-long track which descends into Swale Canyon featuring wildflowers during spring season making it popular among nature photographers.
7. Oak Creek Wildlife Area Hike: It's about five miles round trip trek taking you across diverse landscapes including meadows filled with blooming flowers during summer months.
8. Wildflower Walk: Short quarter:mile loop walk showcasing variety native plants species especially vibrant in late spring early summer period.
9. Brooks Summit Route: Challenging six-mile uphill hike reaching summit where breathtaking view awaits at top rewarding your efforts.
10. Coyote Wall Descent: Steep downhill path stretching around seven:miles known amongst experienced hikers seeking thrill adventure.
Birdwatchers can spot species like the Western Tanager, Black-headed Grosbeak and Lazuli Bunting. Other sightings include Red-tailed Hawks, Northern Flicker Woodpeckers and American Kestrels. The park is also home to various owl species including Great Horned Owls.
The park features a monument to the Honorable Nelson B. Brooks. Nature talks are given to groups at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) upon request. Tours and programs may be arranged through park rangers. Call the park at 509-773-4611 for more information.
Activities close to the park include stargazing at the Goldendale Observatory, visiting the Maryhill Museum, viewing the replica of Stonehenge on SR 14 and driving the historic Columbia Highway in nearby Orgeon.
Located 13 miles north of Goldendale, Wash., in the Simcoe Mountians.
From Yakima: Take Hwy. 97 out of Toppenish. Park is 40 miles south of Toppenish.
From Vancouver, WA: Take I-84 on the Orgeon side of the Columbia River. At Biggs, Orgeon, take Bigg's Bridge past Maryhill State Park, northbound onto Hwy. 97 to Goldendale. Brooks Memorial is on Hwy. 97, 13 miles north of Goldendale.