Benson State Recreationa Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Benson State Recreation Area is a popular destination in Oregon that offers a wide range of activities for visitors.
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Summary
The park is located on the Columbia River and covers 141 acres of land, making it an ideal spot for camping, picnicking, fishing, boating, and hiking. There are several reasons why Benson State Recreation Area is worth a visit. Firstly, the park is known for its stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge. The park offers a panoramic view of the river, which is a breathtaking sight for visitors. Secondly, the park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, such as bald eagles, osprey, beavers, and otters. Visitors can enjoy watching these animals in their natural habitat.
There are a number of specific points of interest to see within the park, such as the Benson Boat Ramp, which provides easy access to the Columbia River for boating and fishing. The park also has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the river and the surrounding landscape. One of the most popular trails is the Benson State Recreation Area Trail, which is an easy hike that leads to a viewpoint overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.
Interestingly, Benson State Recreation Area has a rich history that dates back to the early 1900s. The park was originally used as a site for a sawmill and later as a quarry. The park was eventually developed and opened to the public in the 1950s. Today, visitors can still see remnants of the park's industrial past, such as the old concrete foundations of the sawmill.
The best time of year to visit Benson State Recreation Area is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the park is open year-round and visitors can enjoy a range of activities throughout the year. In the winter, the park is a popular spot for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overall, Benson State Recreation Area is a must-visit destination in Oregon for its stunning views, diverse wildlife, and rich history.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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