mdi-tent Reserve

Farewell Bend
State Recreation Area

Near Ontario, Oregon, United States
mdi-tent Reserve

Park Overview

Farewell Bend State Recreation Area features a beautiful desert experience on the banks of the Snake River's Brownlee Reservoir. Historic markers and interpretive displays provide visitors with information on Farewell Bend's significance on the Oregon Trail. The RV and tent campsites make excellent base camps as you explore the the Snake River Water Trail and other regional attractions.

Brownlee Reservoir offers fishing, water skiing and boating. For fishing information, check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Current water levels are posted on the Idaho Power website.

The park is open for day-use year-round. The day-use area features a wide, paved boat ramp, fish cleaning station and viewing deck. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court, basketball court and picnic areas for you to enjoy. You may even see wildlife, including deer, pronghorn, geese, eagles, chukars, and quail. 

Seasonal Camping

Campground is open from the second Thurs. in April until the last Tues. of Oct., weather permitting. Limited first-come, first-served camping may be available in B-loop during the winter months. Reservations may be booked up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

  • 91 electrical sites with water; one is accessible. Reservable May 1 – Sept. 30.
  • 23 tent sites with water nearby.
  • Two accessible log cabins; one is pet-friendly. Reservations required.

Other amenities:

  • Flush toilets and hot showers
  • Firewood and ice for sale
  • RV dump station
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Fenced off-leash pet area

Advisories: 

  • Mosquito populations can be high during summer.
  • The park is under drought conditions and has limited capacity to irrigate. Irrigation is dependent on reservoir levels. When visiting mid-to-late-summer the grass and trees at the park may start to go dormant to protect themselves from the heat. You might see brown grass and leafless trees as a result.
mdi-alert-outline General Advisory
mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-tent Open for camping Apr 15 – Oct 31 mdi-cellphone Call for reservations: 800-452-5687
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 541-869-2365
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Amenities & Features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline General

Is there WiFi at Farewell Bend State Park

No WiFi is available at Farewell Bend State Park

 

mdi-help-circle-outline About Camping

Is firewood available for purchase? Is ice available for purchase?

Farewell Bend campground sells firewood ($7 a bundle) and ice ($3 a bag) near site B45.  

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Is my dog allowed in the park?

Pets are welcome at Farewell Bend State Park. Leashes are required  and may be no longer than 6 feet. An off-leash dog park is at the south end of the park near the main entrance. Please pick up all pet waste; pet waste bags are provided in most areas of the park.

For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

After following the Snake River for 330 miles, Oregon Trail pioneers rested above the bend in the river here, then bid farewell to the Snake River and continued their trek. Look for a small iron cross, visible from U.S. 30, that marks the location where the Snake River Shoshone Indians battled with pioneer travelers in 1860.  Restored covered wagons rest at the park entrance and next to the Oregon Trail kiosk.  You can also visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center on Flagstaff Hill just east of Baker City, no more than an hour's drive away.   

Brochures and Maps

mdi-file-pdf-box Campground Map

Photos