Catherine Creek State Park in Oregon, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-11. Check linked official notices before travel.

Catherine Creek State Park sits in a pine-shaded canyon southeast of Union, Oregon. Walk from the picnic area toward the campground for views along the creek. The campground closes for winter and will start offering reservations in spring 2027.

A creekside stop near Union

The park has a three-mile hiking trail, two group picnic areas, and horseshoe pits. The trail between the campground and the picnic area gives you a shorter way to see the canyon.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Prepare for a winter stop

Bring your own drinking water in winter. Plan a restroom stop in Union or La Grande before you arrive. Check the park's conditions before leaving if you are counting on seasonal services.

Keep the creek and trails clean

Keep pets on a leash no longer than six feet and pick up their waste. Stay on the trail where it passes the creek, and leave the streambank plants in place.

Group picnics and campsites

Beginning in spring 2027, Catherine Creek will offer campsite reservations. Use the Catherine Creek booking page to check your dates. The two group picnic areas can be reserved. If an area is unreserved, you can use it on arrival. For an event such as a wedding, obtain a special use permit at least 30 days before arrival. Contact the park early enough to meet that deadline.

Find the park on Oregon Route 203

From Union, follow Oregon Route 203 southeast for about eight miles. Use the map on the Oregon State Parks profile for the day-use area and campground.

Nearby parks

• Hilgard Junction State Park offers a stop along the Grande Ronde River off Interstate 84 near La Grande.
• Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area has a forest campground at a historic Oregon Trail watering site in the Blue Mountains.

Walk the canyon or picnic under pines

Follow the park trail between the campground and picnic area for a walk along the canyon. If you are staying for lunch, use an available picnic area and bring horseshoes for the pits.

Campsites and picnic areas

The seasonal campground has 20 tent sites, including one accessible site. The site parking can fit self-contained RVs. The park lists water near the campsites, flush restrooms, and firewood for sale. Ask the park about campsite access if you need a specific setup.

How the creek shaped the park

From Collins Park to a state campground

The site was once known as Presbyterian Flat and later as Collins Park. Oregon acquired the land in 1947 and developed it for day use and camping in the 1950s.

Fish habitat in Catherine Creek

Catherine Creek flows into the Grande Ronde River. A state fish habitat report documents spring Chinook salmon and summer steelhead in the stretch through the park. The restoration project added side channels and deeper pools to improve habitat.

Contact Catherine Creek State Park

Call the park at 541-983-2277. For statewide park information, call 800-551-6949.