Horsethief Lake State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Horsethief Lake State Park is located in the state of Oregon and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Summary
The park covers 5,100 acres and has a number of features that make it an ideal spot for camping, hiking, and fishing.
One of the main reasons to visit Horsethief Lake State Park is its natural beauty. The park is home to a number of stunning waterfalls, including the popular Horsethief Falls. The park also contains a number of hiking trails that wind their way through the lush forests and offer excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
Another point of interest in the park is Lake Celilo, which is a popular spot for fishing. The lake is stocked with a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, bass, and catfish, making it a great place to cast a line and try your luck.
Interesting facts about the park include its rich cultural history. The area was once home to a thriving Native American community, and evidence of their presence can still be found throughout the park. Visitors can explore ancient rock art and petroglyphs that were created by these early inhabitants.
The best time of year to visit Horsethief Lake State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, the park is open year-round, and each season offers its own unique charm. Winter visitors can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, while fall visitors can take in the stunning autumn foliage.
Overall, Horsethief Lake State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and rich history of Oregon. With its breathtaking waterfalls, scenic hiking trails, and abundant fishing opportunities, this park has something for everyone.
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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.
Related References
Columbia Hills (Horsethief Lake) State Park
Avery Rec Area- Columbia River Gorge
Celilo
Turkey Hole - WDFW
Turkey Hole Campground
Deschutes River State Rec Area
Columbia Hills Natural Area Preserve
Mayer State Park
Sorosis Park
Celilo Park
Lyle Park