A few years ago we discovered a spot on the lower John Day with cabins, bass fishing and great walking paths. Since then we try to snag cabin reservations in spring or fall, but it’s no easy task.
Cottonwood Canyon State Park is one of Oregon’s newest additions, and for us a cabin makes the overnight easy.
We have also made day trips there, as there is an excellent day use area.
Our cabin was one of four sitting on old pasture land. The river runs along the south edge, at the base of rock wall.
Walking to the cabin from river’s edge, you pass a line of willow, then cottonwood, across a stone beach, before passing through a hedgerow of sage, onto a grassy plain.
A line of rounded hills mark the park’s northern edge and in April they are green with fresh growth, but only an occasional tree.
Big Horn Sheep can be seen grazing high up amid rocky outcroppings. We’ve also seen a variety of raptors, song birds and Canada Geese.
While area signage warns of cougar or rattlesnakes, we’ve yet to encounter either, which is fortunate.
It’s a peaceful spot to spend some time, wander the banks of the John Day and while not during spring runoff, there are smallmouth bass to catch.
