BENSON STATE RECREATION AREA Simon Benson was a lumber magnate, philanthropist, and one of the principal promoters of the Historic Columbia River Gorge Highway. Located one mile west of Multnomah Falls on I-84 at milepost 30 (eastbound access only), picnickers love this park; there's even a disc golf course and a reservable shelter for groups.
Free Fishing Day is an annual event around the first weekend of June (call 1-800-551-6949 for details). Anyone can bring their own pole (or use equipment provided) to try their luck catching some of the thousands of rainbow trout stocked each month into the lake between March and October. This is a non-motorboat lake, so it's perfect for rowboats and swimmers.
Vital stats Picnic shelter available, for reservations call 1-800-452-5687. $5 daily day-use fee or buy a 12-month permit for $30 or a 24-month permit for $50 (the day-use fee is waived during the winter months because the restroom is closed). These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park day-use areas. For information, call 1-800-551-6949.
Park rates (subject to rate changes; winter, emergency or other closures)
October 1 to April 30 (Discovery Season) Daily day use: $5 Yearly day use: $30
May 1 to September 30 Daily day use: $5 Yearly day use: $30
