Benson
Benson State Recreation Area stretches along the southern shore of the Columbia River, a mile west of Multnomah Falls. The park features a disc golf course, a reservable group picnic shelter and a peaceful lake for swimming and fishing.
The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife stocks Benson Lake with thousands of fish from March to October. A paved path from the parking lot leads to an accessible fishing dock. Benson Lake has no dock and allows non-motorized boating only (boats must be carried a short distance).
The park’s namesake is lumberman Simon Benson, who donated the land. One of the principal promoters of the Historic Columbia River Highway, he helped fund several other landmarks in Portland and the Gorge, including Benson Bridge that crosses Multnomah Falls.
Note: The park is accessible to eastbound traffic only, from exit #30.
- Restroom
- Water has been turned off at the picnic shelter
- Buy firewood local to your campsite: Choose firewood harvested within 10 miles of your destination or buy certified heat-treated firewood.
- Avoid transporting restricted wood: Do not bring ash, olive, or white fringe tree materials into any Oregon State Park even if it’s within the same quarantine area. When in doubt about the tree species, leave it out.
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call for park info: 503-695-2261
Amenities and features
Questions
General
According to a 2012 survey of park visitors:
94% of our customers describe being "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their overall experience at Benson State Recreation Area.
93% of our customers reported that they were either "very likely" or "likely" to return to Benson State Recreation Area in the future.
One customer commented, "We come here often to kayak, canoe and swim, as well as picnic. It's a perfect place for family get togethers. It is inclusive of all people. We always see a diversity of families when we visit this park and I'm glad everyone can feel welcome and safe here. Thank you for maintaining such a wonderful park. "
Reservations may be made 1 day to 6 months ahead of time. The picnic shelter at Benson State Park is reservable through online reservations (available 365 days a year, opening at midnight every day) or by calling (800) 452-5687 (Oregon Telecommunications Relay Service 800-735-2900 for the hearing impaired), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What's Allowed
Animals
Day use/Special Events
This park requires a Special Use Permit for special events or activities. Please open the Special Use Permit application to see examples of events that need a permit. If you have questions about whether you need a special use permit for your activity and to receive instructions on how to submit the application, please call 503-695-2261.
History
Park property was acquired between 1939 and 1977, including gifts from the City of Portland, Multnomah County and Rueben and Rose Lenske. Early developments in the park were carried out by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1935. Further development began in 1950 with day-use facilities and improvements for swimming in the lake on Multnomah Creek. In 1977, the State Highway Division acquired additional acreage through purchase. The park is named for Simon Benson (1852-1942), a native of Norway who became a logging operator, roads advocate, and philanthropist. He was the first chairman of the citizen State Highway Commission which superseded the State Board of Control in 1917. In Portland he constructed the Benson Hotel , endowed Benson Polytechnic High School and gave 20 bronze drinking fountains (Benson Bubblers) to the city. Benson once owned a portion of the present park. .