Hilgard Junction State Park
Rate this placeNearby: Red Bridge State Wayside Benton Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Hilgard Junction State Park is located in northeastern Oregon, near the town of La Grande.
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Summary
The park provides visitors with opportunities for fishing, hiking, camping, and picnicking. The park is situated along the Grande Ronde River, offering a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy.
One of the main attractions of Hilgard Junction State Park is the Grande Ronde River, which is recognized as one of the top fly-fishing destinations in the state. Visitors can also explore the park's hiking trails, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The park also has a variety of picnic areas and campsites, making it an ideal destination for families and groups.
Interesting facts about the area include the fact that the park is named after the nearby junction of the Union Pacific and Southern Pacific railroads. The park is also home to a number of wildlife species, including deer, elk, and bears.
The best time of year to visit Hilgard Junction State Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and hiking during this time. However, fall is also a popular time to visit, as the changing colors of the leaves make for a beautiful sight.
Overall, Hilgard Junction State Park is a great destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of northeastern Oregon. With its stunning scenery, outdoor activities, and peaceful setting, it's no wonder why so many people choose to visit this park each year.
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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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Spool Cart Campground
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