Compass Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Compass Park is located in the state of Oregon and is a popular tourist destination.


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Summary

The park offers stunning views of the Cascade Mountains and is a great place for hiking, picnicking, and camping. Visitors can also enjoy fishing and boating in the nearby lake.

One of the main attractions at Compass Park is the Tam McArthur Rim Trail, which is a popular hiking trail that takes visitors to the top of the Cascade Mountains. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a must-see for nature lovers.

Another point of interest in the area is Three Sisters Wilderness, which is a popular destination for backpackers and hikers. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including black bears, elk, and mountain lions.

Interesting facts about Compass Park include that it was originally established as a recreational area in the 1950s and has since become a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is also home to a variety of plant and animal species, including Douglas fir trees and red-tailed hawks.

The best time of year to visit Compass Park is during the summer months when the weather is mild and the hiking trails are open. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak season. It is recommended to visit during the shoulder seasons in the spring and fall for a less crowded experience.

Overall, Compass Park in Oregon is a beautiful destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a stunning natural setting.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
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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