FAREWELL BEND STATE RECREATION AREA
Historic Farewell Bend State Recreation Area, located on the Oregon/Idaho border north of Ontario, offers a beautiful desert experience on the banks of the Snake River's Brownlee Reservoir. Pioneers on the Oregon Trail took a final rest here before leaving the Snake River to travel wearily inland on their way to Oregon City. Historic markers and interpretive displays provide visitors with information on Farewell Bend's significance on the Oregon Trail. The RV and tent campgrounds make excellent basecamps as you explore the region. Oregon Trail wagon ruts are visible just up the road. The National Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is less than an hour away in Baker City.
If history isn't your game, come for the sports Brownlee Reservoir offers fishing, water skiing, swimming and boating. There are horseshoe pits, basketball hoops and a sand volleyball court for you land lovers. Best of all, while resting from the day's activities, you can enjoy the scenery and amenities. Picnic on the cool grass, spend the night in an authentic covered wagon or Native American tepee, roast marshmallows over your campfire or attend an evening interpretive program at the amphitheater. Whatever you like to do, Farewell Bend is the place to do it.
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
1. RV Camping: The park has 91 electrical sites with water that can accommodate recreational vehicles.
2. Tent Camping: There are also tent campsites available, which come equipped with picnic tables and fire pits.
3. Deluxe Cabins: For those who prefer more comfort, the park provides deluxe cabins featuring indoor plumbing, heating/cooling systems and kitchenettes (note these may not be pet-friendly).
4. Group Campsites: Farewell Bend also caters to larger groups by offering group campgrounds suitable for family reunions or other large gatherings.
5. Yurts & Tepees: Some state parks in Oregon offer yurt or tepee rentals as unique lodging experiences; however it's best to check directly if this is an option at Farewell Bend specifically.
6. Hiker/Biker Camps: These special areas cater especially towards hikers/bicyclists traveling through on multi-day trips.
All campground users have access to amenities such as restrooms/showers facilities and dump stations within the recreation area.
1. Farewell Bend State Recreation Area offers a designated swimming area in the Snake River.
2. The water is calm and suitable for swimmers of all levels.
3. Lifeguards are not on duty, so swim at your own risk.
4. Swimming is best during summer months when temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Be aware that currents can change due to dam releases upstream; always check conditions before entering the water.
6. Swimming after dusk isn't recommended as there's no lighting around the beach area.
The park offers a boat ramp that provides access to the Snake River, allowing visitors to engage in various water activities such as fishing and boating. However, it's important for users to be aware of Idaho laws if they cross into Idaho waters while on their trip. The river is also popular among rafters who enjoy navigating its challenging rapids.
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the Snake River for catfish, smallmouth bass and crappie. The park also offers trout ponds.
Farewell Bend State Recreation Area is located near Ontario
Farewell Bend State Recreation Area offers picnic areas with tables and grills, scenic views of the Snake River, and wildlife spotting.
1. Farewell Bend Loop: This is a 2-mile loop trail that offers scenic views of the Snake River and surrounding landscapes. It's an easy hike suitable for all skill levels.
2. Oregon Trail Overlook: A short, half-mile round trip from the campground to an overlook with interpretive signs about pioneers who traveled along this route in covered wagons during westward expansion.
3. Historic Wagon Road Hike: Follows part of the old wagon road used by settlers traveling on the Oregon Trail; it's approximately one mile long and features historical markers throughout its length.
4. Huntington Area Trails: These trails are located near Huntington town within Farewell Bend State Recreation area offering hikers beautiful riverfront walks ranging between 0-5 miles depending upon chosen path.
5. River Access Trails: Several small paths lead directly down to various points along Snake River providing opportunities for fishing or simply enjoying riverside scenery.
6. Wildlife Viewing Pathways: Numerous unmarked pathways crisscross through park allowing visitors chance encounters with local wildlife such as deer, waterfowl etc., these can be explored at leisure but do not have specific lengths or difficulty ratings.
7. Picnic Point Walkway: Short walk leading up to Picnic point which provides panoramic view over entire recreation area including campgrounds,Snake river & distant mountains.
8. Campground Perimeter Walking Route: An informal walking track around perimeter of main camping ground giving glimpses into camper life while also serving as quick exercise circuit.
While exploring the park, one can enjoy a leisurely bike ride on paved roads and trails. Be cautious of pedestrians.
Mountain biking is not recommended due to rough terrain; stick to designated paths for safety reasons.
Bicyclists should be aware that there are no dedicated cycling lanes within this area's boundaries.
Always wear helmets while riding bikes in the park as it helps prevent injuries during unexpected falls or collisions.
Ensure your bicycle has proper lighting if you plan on bicycling after sunset since visibility may decrease significantly at night time.
Remember, sharing pathways with walkers requires careful navigation and respectful communication from cyclists.
Check weather conditions before setting out as wet surfaces could make certain areas slippery and challenging for bikers.
Birdwatchers can enjoy spotting a variety of species, including waterfowl and raptors. The park's diverse habitats attract many birds.
1. Start by getting on I:84 E/US-30 E from SW 6th Ave and W Burnside St.
2. Continue driving east on I:84 for approximately 300 miles until you reach Exit 353 toward Farewell Bend State Park/Huntington.
3. Take exit 353 onto Old US Hwy #30 towards Farewell Bend State Park/Huntington.
4. Follow the signs to merge onto OR:201 S/Old U.S Highway No#30 heading southbound.
From Boise, Idaho:
1. Start your journey by taking ID:55 N/S Eagle Rd and continue straight as it turns into ID:44W/W Fairview Avenue.
2. Continue following ID:44 West through Caldwell where it will turn into Simplot Blvd then Karcher Road before merging with Interstate 84 westbound at Meridian road (Exit36).
3. Following interstate highway i.e.,I:85 take a slight right after crossing Snake River Bridge which leads to Ontario city center via East Idaho Avenue.
4. From there keep going till reaching Vale Junction,take left lane & get merged with US Route20 /26.
5. After that drive around approx..15miles&turn right when seeing signboard mentioning "Hwy201 South"(also known as old hwy no.#) leading directly towards park entrance.
My girlfriend and I drove cross country our first campsite was farewell bend state park.It was clean comfy and we got our campfire going just fine.Beautiful surroundings this is a place i`ll always remember...
If you love Eastern oregon, this is relaxing and beautiful -- but watch out for mosquitoes in summer, and bring bug spray before you leave the last nearby decent-size town!
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