Hartley Park
Rate this placeNearby: Stearns County Park Mack Brown Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hartley Park is a public park located in the state of Oregon, USA that offers a wide range of recreational activities for visitors.
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Summary
It is situated in the eastern part of the state near the city of La Grande. There are several good reasons to visit this park, including its natural beauty, historic significance, and diverse range of activities.
One of the main points of interest in Hartley Park is the historic Hot Lake Springs resort, which was built in the early 1900s and has since been restored to its former glory. The resort offers visitors a chance to soak in the natural hot springs, relax in the spa, or learn about the area's rich history through guided tours. Other notable features of the park include miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing opportunities on the Grande Ronde River, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the park.
Interesting facts about Hartley Park include its designation as a National Historic Landmark and its location on the route of the Oregon Trail, which was a major migration route for settlers heading west in the 1800s. The park is also home to a variety of unique plant and animal species, including several types of wildflowers, birds, and mammals.
The best time of year to visit Hartley Park depends on the activities you are interested in. The park offers year-round activities such as hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing, but some activities like fishing may be limited during certain seasons. Summer months are generally the most popular time to visit as the weather is warm and sunny, but spring and fall are also good times to visit for mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Winter activities like snowshoeing are also available in the park.
Overall, Hartley Park is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities of eastern Oregon.
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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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