Benson State Recreation Area in Oregon, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-27. Check linked official notices before travel.

Benson State Recreation Area in Oregon's Columbia River Gorge combines a lakeside picnic stop with disc golf, fishing, and carry-in paddling. It lies about a mile west of Multnomah Falls. The practical distinction is access: vehicles reach it only from eastbound Interstate 84 at Exit 30, and this is a day-use destination with no overnight occupancy.

A lake stop in the west Gorge

• Benson Lake: Bank access makes fishing possible without launching a boat.
• Picnicking: A group shelter can anchor a gathering, while the disc golf course adds a land-based activity.
• Small boats: Non-motorized craft can be carried in to Benson Lake or Hartman Pond; there is no boat launch.

Parking, hours, and winter services

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Water activities are unsupervised

Oregon State Parks' water-safety guidance says swimming areas are unsupervised and advises wearing a properly fitted life jacket when swimming, floating, paddling, or boating. Calm-looking water can still hide obstructions or currents. Do not rely on a lifeguard being present.

Protect the lakes and shared spaces

Keep dogs leashed and out of the water. Metal detecting is prohibited in West Columbia Gorge state parks. Clean, drain, and dry watercraft, and stop at open Oregon watercraft inspection stations when transporting a boat into the state.

Shelter bookings and water permits

Reserve the group picnic shelter from one day to six months ahead through the authorized booking page or call 800-452-5687. Do not park or leave vehicles at the shelter itself.

Non-motorized paddle craft of every length require an Oregon Waterway Access Permit; youth age 13 or younger are exempt. Check the ODFW permit guidance before bringing a kayak, canoe, raft, or paddleboard. The parking permit does not replace it.

Reach Exit 30 from the correct direction

From Portland, use eastbound I-84 to Exit 30. Travelers approaching from Hood River on westbound I-84 must pass Benson, use Exit 22 to turn around, and return east to Exit 30. Plan this approach before driving rather than expecting a westbound exit at the lake.

Nearby parks along the Gorge roads

Rooster Rock State Park is another west Gorge stop beside the Columbia River. Seasonal waterfowl hunting occurs on river beaches below the high-water mark through February 14, 2027. Guy W. Talbot State Park is on the Historic Columbia River Highway near Latourell Falls; a day-use parking permit is required there too.

Choose the activity before loading the car

For a simple outing, combine a picnic with disc golf. For fishing, Benson Lake offers bank access without a boat ramp. Oregon fishing licenses are required from age 12; younger children do not need a license. Use the ODFW licensing page to choose the correct license and check applicable fishing rules before casting.

If you paddle, bring a craft you can carry to the water. Motors are not permitted on Benson Lake or Hartman Pond. The ability to carry a boat in, its required permit, and the weather should all be settled before a paddling visit.

Picnic facilities and fishing access

The recreation area has a group picnic shelter and a paved route to an accessible fishing facility. ODFW also identifies bank fishing access at Benson Lake. Its Benson Lake entry describes the location and fishing facilities. Plan around the winter water and restroom shutdown rather than expecting summer services on a cold-season visit.

A recreation area shaped by Gorge history

Simon Benson and park development

The park's name honors Simon Benson, a lumberman, roads advocate, and philanthropist. CCC crews carried out early development during 1933–1935. Later property acquisitions between 1939 and 1977 helped form the recreation area described today.

Fish in Benson Lake

ODFW lists stocked trout alongside brown bullhead, white crappie, pumpkinseed sunfish, and largemouth bass. These species help explain the lake's fishing role, but their presence does not guarantee a catch on a particular day.

Contact the west Gorge park office

Call 503-695-2261 for park information. The official Benson page provides current park notices and access details.