Benson State Recreation Area
A relaxed lakefront park offering disc golf, fishing, swimming, and picnic areas. Perfect for a peaceful day outdoors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Ideal for lake activities
Benson State Recreation Area
Best Time
Ideal for lake activities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A relaxed lakefront park offering disc golf, fishing, swimming, and picnic areas. Perfect for a peaceful day outdoors.
"Great place to take a break from driving long distance or just a place to relax. Dog friendly."
๐พ Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Benson State Recreation Area is a great spot for dogs to enjoy the outdoors. ๐
๐ถ Water Depth Awareness
Lake depths vary, so be cautious with paddleboards and fins. Enjoy the water safely! ๐ถ
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 ยท 1,149 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Disc Golf Course
Throughout the park
Enjoy a short, beginner-friendly 9-hole disc golf course nestled among the trees. Great for all skill levels!
Lake Activities
Lakefront
Paddleboard or kayak on the lake, or try your luck fishing. The water depth varies, so be mindful when paddling.
Picnic & Relaxation
Picnic areas
Spacious picnic sites with grills and tables offer a perfect spot for gatherings or a peaceful break.
Waterfall Views
Near the park
Catch a glimpse of a dramatic waterfall and enjoy the sounds of a babbling brook.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Disc Golf & Lake Fun
Seasonal Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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Hi, i'm flying into Portland June 18th and considering this for my first PCT experience. Logistics wise, it seems ideal. Parking in Cascade Locks and looping back. Anything I should consider? FarOut seems void of 2025 comments. I was thinking of allotting 3 days. I regularlyโฆ
๐พ Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Benson State Recreation Area is a great spot for dogs to enjoy the outdoors. ๐
๐ถ Water Depth Awareness
Lake depths vary, so be cautious with paddleboards and fins. Enjoy the water safely! ๐ถ
๐ฅ Disc Golf Tips
Tee boxes aren't perfectly maintained, but the course is fun for beginners and quick rounds. :disc_golf:
๐ป Restroom Check
Restrooms may be closed in winter. Multnomah Falls is nearby, but factor in driving time. ๐ฝ
Tips
from all over the internet
๐พ Dog-Friendly Fun
Bring your furry friends! Benson State Recreation Area is a great spot for dogs to enjoy the outdoors. ๐
๐ถ Water Depth Awareness
Lake depths vary, so be cautious with paddleboards and fins. Enjoy the water safely! ๐ถ
๐ฅ Disc Golf Tips
Tee boxes aren't perfectly maintained, but the course is fun for beginners and quick rounds. :disc_golf:
๐ป Restroom Check
Restrooms may be closed in winter. Multnomah Falls is nearby, but factor in driving time. ๐ฝ
๐ Train Spotting
Listen for the occasional train passing by โ it's a unique park experience! :train2:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Benson State Recreation Area for its relaxed, low-key atmosphere, making it a great spot for a peaceful break or casual outing. The dog-friendly policy and the enjoyable disc golf course are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some note minor upkeep issues with the disc golf course and seasonal restroom closures, the overall sentiment is positive, emphasizing its charm as a quiet, accessible nature escape.
"Great place to take a break from driving long distance or just a place to relax. Dog friendly."
candace matthews
"Pretty great little spot to paddleboard! The water is deep/shallow in various spots of the lake, so watch your fins. Plenty of picnic tables. Very low key and minimal people. For the first couple hours I was the only one on the lake."
Aydrian
"My husband and I went here over Thanksgiving weekend for disc golf! Loved it ๐
Very dramatic view of the waterfall! And even a babbling brook with a little bridge.
The holes are short, around 200ft or so - good for kids and beginners and quick and easy in among the trees
The T boxes aren't very well maintained but they work, and the signage wasn't the best. Very pretty, great parking and well thought out short 9 hole course.
Restrooms were closed for the winter but Multnomah falls has bathrooms and is just a mile down the road (and a 7 mile drive back, fair warning)"
Dawn Lamond
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
๐ ๐บ๏ธ Getting There
Benson State Recreation Area is located off I-84. Take exit 17 for Ainsworth State Park and follow the signs. It's a scenic drive with easy access from Portland.
Yes, there is ample parking available throughout the park, including near the disc golf course and picnic areas.
Yes, the park is accessible from the Historic Columbia River Highway, offering a more leisurely drive with beautiful views.
The drive from Portland to Benson State Recreation Area is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Benson State Recreation Area directly. Driving is the most convenient method.
๐ซ ๐ซ Tickets & Entry
Benson State Recreation Area typically requires a day-use permit or Oregon State Parks Pass. Check the official Oregon State Parks website for current fees and pass information.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, specific facilities like restrooms may have seasonal closures.
Some picnic sites may be reservable in advance through the Oregon State Parks reservation system, especially for larger groups or events.
No, a separate permit is not required for playing disc golf. It is included with your day-use permit or Oregon State Parks Pass.
Standard park rules apply, including leash laws for dogs and regulations regarding fires and alcohol. Check for any posted notices upon arrival.
๐ซ ๐๏ธ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy disc golf, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, picnicking, and nature walks. It's a versatile park for outdoor recreation.
Yes, the short disc golf course is great for kids, and the lake offers safe areas for play. Picnic spots are also family-friendly.
Yes, Benson State Recreation Area is dog-friendly! Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times. ๐
Restrooms are available, but they may be closed during the winter months. Nearby Multnomah Falls has facilities. ๐ฝ
Yes, swimming is permitted in designated areas of the lake. Be aware of varying water depths. :swimmer:
๐ฝ๏ธ ๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Dining
There are no on-site restaurants or food vendors. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks for picnics.
Absolutely! The park features numerous picnic sites with grills and wooden tables, perfect for BBQs and gatherings. :hamburger:
The closest dining options are typically found in Cascade Locks or Troutdale, which are a short drive away.
Alcohol regulations can vary. It's best to check the current Oregon State Parks rules regarding alcohol consumption in recreation areas.
Water fountains are usually available, but it's always a good idea to bring your own water bottles, especially during warmer months. :water_wave:
๐ธ ๐ธ Photography
Capture scenic lake views, the disc golf course winding through trees, and the nearby waterfall. The natural beauty offers many photographic moments.
Yes, the train tracks run near the park, and you might be able to capture photos of trains passing through the scenic landscape. :camerawithflash:
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
The lakefront offers great shots of the water and surrounding greenery. The area near the waterfall also provides dramatic photo opportunities.
Drone usage is subject to Oregon State Parks regulations. It's essential to check their official policy before flying a drone in the park.
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