hat rock state park

Nestled amongst a Good Sam camper resort, and a residential area you might think this wouldn't be much of a place but you'd be wrong. Lots of parking, trails to hit, wide open grass areas and picnic table galore. A good place to spend the day out of doors.

Hat Rock is part of the Lewis and Clark trail, so there's a kiosk explaining the historical significance. There are also several trailheads with gravel and panoramic views of the Columbia. The one up to the rock is a switchback but my little guys (2 and 4) made it just fine. Hat Rock itself isn't exactly like Arches or anything amazing, but go for the views! There are also park benches and boat access (I didn't use them, too cold in January!). Very clean, well maintained park.

We would take the boat down and launch and spending the day water skiing on the Columbia. Then have a BBQ before heading home. Great place to enjoy the water.

This park is close to McNary Dam and has a variety of hiking trails with some terrific views of the Columbia river. Also they have a boat ramp to access the lake where there is a variety of fishing. There is also a small camp store that serves a limited menu of food and sells supplies to folks camping in the park. It is well run and very quiet. It is a great place to take the kids and let them fly kites or just enjoy being outside. There's plenty of parking and open grassy areas as well. Go and enjoy yourself. It's also just a short drive to Tri-Cities. Check the internet for camping and RV fees. To my knowledge there is still no charge for day use but check to make certain

I enjoyed the park. I have not been their sense I was a little girl.I plan on a visit next summer just to revisit the park again.

We enjoy hiking in this state park early in the spring or later in the fall. The area is interesting and makes a quick hike at not too far a distance.

Right on the Columbia River, was mentioned in Lewis & Clark's journals. Lots of hiking trails, a duck pond, and nice boat ramp. One of the nicest parks in the area.

You can hike for miles along the bluffs of the Columbia following the Lewis and Clark route. Also there is a small picnic area, and a loop up to the hat rock.

It is a nice peaceful place with lots o ducks!! Very nice to walk or just have a family BBQ!!

You cannot climb the rock (legally) but you can look and it has a good campground on the river and a store nearby.

I have lived very near Hat Rock for 14 years, and it is one of the best kept secrets in Oregon. I don't actually live in the rock, but dwell in a home a block from the famous rock. I pay taxes on a lot and a half and for that I get access to all that is around me. There about 40 houses in the Hat Rock residential area on the edge of the Columbia River. To the north of me is the Columbia River, just full of fish and huntable ducks. To the west is an inlet of water from Lake Wallula which has a very fine public boat launch area and duck pond that is stocked with fish. A bit farther west is a fine 4 mile long walking trail that once was the rail bed for the materials that were moved from the main railroad to the Mc Nary dam. The rails are gone but the rail bed remains. It is perfectly level. It follows the river closely and the views are beautiful. I almost never see a pleasure boat on the lake, but sometimes I see the paddle wheel boat that gives cruises of the river. I walk as far down the railbed as my aging legs will carry me, and never get to the end. Remember that I have to walk back and the round trip is over eight miles. I let my dog run free, and only once have I met another person. To the South of me is Hat Rock State Park and a cool spring where we draw our water from. The park is lush and green and is very seldom used. Like I said, it's a secret. To the East of me is a private yacht club. On the road into Hat Rock there is a nice campground with a swimming pool and a store. It is open year round. From the campground their are dirt roads and trails all over the place, and old lava flows abound. One would expect to see dinosaurs running about and one could imagine one lurking around a stand of lava, or up on Boat rock, which can be climed by going up a narrow trail up the East side. From on top of Boat Rock one can see the entire oasis that is Hat Rock. East of Boat Rock is BLM land and the riparian way is managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. I am working in remote Alaska to earn enough money to pay off my mortgage so, God willing, I can live out my days in the most beautiful spot I have ever seen. One of the favorite things to do for visitors is to drive down through the residential area and see the half million dollar homes that have been built. And you just might see me working in the yard. I retire in 2008. Donald W. Timmons Donwtimmons2000@yahoo.com