We have been camped at Maryhill SP since Thursday and today we drove to this park which is only about 30 minutes from Maryhill . On June 11th the Ferry Fire which was about 1.5 miles south of the park ignited and burned throughout the park causing evacuations from the CG which was full. The host told us today no structures were lost except for tables in the Hiker-Bikers CG area. The CG reopened on 6-20. We walked the Palisade Trail and evidence of the fire was evident for about 1/4 mile. The fairly wide and flat trail follows the John Day River beside the beautiful Basalt Columns on the non-river side of the trail. It was 55 and sunny when we began our meander. We walked from the parking lot to the walnut tree where we had lunch on a bench before returning to TH parking lot. We did see six sheep on a hillside on our return. I will add a link below about the fire.
Trip Report
Cottonwood Canyon State Park — Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025
Southwest Washington > Columbia River Gorge - OR
Type of Hike
Day hikeTrail Conditions
Trail in good conditionRoad
Road suitable for all vehiclesBugs
No bugsSnow
Snow free
Comments
thebrink on Cottonwood Canyon State Park
What a wonderful layer of textures and colors in that second photo. I looked at it for quite awhile.
Posted by:
thebrink on Nov 23, 2025 10:00 AM
Bob and Barb on Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Thank you for your kind words! Our best fall color our 3 nights at Maryhill SP were seen here. Bob uses a tripod which helps make is pictures better than mine! 😃!
Posted by:
Bob and Barb on Nov 24, 2025 06:09 PM
hikingwithlittledogs on Cottonwood Canyon State Park
Impressive horns on the big fella! I’m vicariously enjoying your trip to the gorge and beyond! Thanks for the reports and photos!
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on Nov 24, 2025 08:55 PM