Gilliam County

At over 8,000 acres, Cottonwood Canyon State Park in Gilliam County is one of Oregon's newest and largest state parks. Enveloped by vertical cliffs, the park features unmatched access to the John Day River—the longest free-flowing river west of the Rockies. At the park, you can fish for steelhead and smallmouth bass, hike old roads and trails into the outback, and pitch a tent. And for a real John Day adventure, canoe, kayak, or float down the 10 mile stretch of the river from the Cottonwood Bridge to the Starvation Lane take-out. Tip: Stick around for nightfall—Cottonwood has some of the best stargazing in the whole state.