Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Oregon
Central & Eastern Region
Red Bridge State Park
Western Meadow Lark © stateparks.com
Western Meadow Lark
Afternoon Hike © stateparks.com
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
RED BRIDGE STATE PARK
RED BRIDGE STATE PARK
Red Bridge State Wayside lies along Oregon Highway 244 and offers visitors overnight camping and daytime opportunities. Situated along the banks of the Grande Ronde River, the park is forested with ponderosa pine and cottonwoods. Uncrowded, quiet summer evenings greet campers and day-users alike. Enjoy a day of fishing or cool off in the gentle waters of the river.

Located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, the park can serve your needs as a base camp for big game hunting, mushrooming or simply exploring the miles of national forest within easy driving distance of the park. Take a drive and visit Lehman Hot Springs for a relaxing hot mineral water swim or partake in local activities in nearby LaGrande.

Red Bridge is conveniently close to the full services of LaGrande, including emergency services, restaurants, shopping and many community events. Whether you need a place to picnic or camp in a forest setting, Red Bridge can fulfill your needs.
History of the Area
Located in Oregon, this natural haven is known for its iconic red bridge. The history of the park dates back to 1922 when it was first established as a public recreational area.

The land on which the park sits has been inhabited by Native American tribes such as Nez Perce and Cayuse for centuries before European settlers arrived. These indigenous communities used the region primarily for hunting and fishing due to its rich biodiversity.

In early settler times, around mid-19th century, an initial wooden structure served as a crossing point over Grande Ronde River that flows through what we now know today's popular outdoor destination. This original construction gave way under heavy use and harsh weather conditions leading local authorities towards building another more robust one - hence came into existence our famous 'red' iron bridge in late 1890s.

This new infrastructure not only facilitated transportation but also attracted visitors with its unique design painted bright red - giving birth eventually to name of present-day site itself! Over time these visits grew frequent enough prompting state government officials during early part of last century (around year 1922) deciding upon converting surrounding areas into dedicated space meant exclusively catering needs related leisure activities like picnicking or camping among others thereby marking official inception date aforementioned location being recognized officially designated spot within statewide network parks system managed Department Parks Recreation State Government Oregon USA ever since then till current day continues attract thousands tourists annually from all across globe who come here enjoy serene beauty nature while indulging various fun-filled adventurous pursuits available onsite throughout different seasons round!

Over years there have been several improvements made including addition picnic tables restrooms hiking trails etc making even more appealing choice those seeking escape hustle bustle city life amidst tranquility wilderness offering perfect blend both worlds right heart Pacific Northwest Region United States America.


Location
Red Bridge State Park is located near La Grande


Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
write a review
Share On

Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
1. Start your journey from the city of Portland, which serves as a convenient starting point for most travelers.
2. Take I:5 South towards Salem and continue on this highway until you reach Exit 253 toward OR-22 East/Detroit Lake/Bend.
3. Merge onto OR:22 E/Center St NE via the ramp to Detroit Lake/Bend and follow this road for approximately 50 miles.
4. After passing through Mill City, stay on OR:22 E until you reach Stayton/Sublimity (about another 15 miles).
5. In Sublimity, turn right onto Cascade Hwy SE/OR:214 S/Santiam Hwy SE and drive southbound for about 10 miles.
6. Continue straight at the intersection with Shaw Rd SE/Cascade Highway Southeast/Oregon Route No:213 N/East Main Street into Jefferson Scio Driveway Southeast Roadway heading eastward.
7. Follow Jefferson Scio Drive southeast roadway till it intersects with Thomas Creek bridge rd se.
8. Turn left onto Thomas creek bridge rd se.
9. Continue driving along thomas creek brige road untill reaching Redbridge state park.

state route ranger badge
Oregon
26

Oregon State Parks

X