Located just 34 miles west of Portland, Oregon, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is a 1,654-acre haven nestled in the Northern Oregon Coast Range. This expansive forested park offers a diverse array of outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re interested in hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful picnic, Stub Stewart provides the perfect setting to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Natural Beauty and Terrain
Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, dense forests, and scenic vistas, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park showcases the rich natural landscape of Oregon’s coast range. The park’s elevation ranges from 730 feet to 1,250 feet, offering varied terrain that appeals to hikers, bikers, and equestrians. Visitors can explore gleaming streams, wildflower meadows, and shaded glades, all interconnected by an extensive network of trails that wind through the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
Stub Stewart State Park is designed to accommodate a wide range of recreational activities, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Hiking Trails
With over 20 miles of trails, the park offers hiking routes suitable for all skill levels. The trails are organized in a stacked loop system, allowing hikers to choose shorter or longer routes based on their preferences. Notable trails include
- Linear TrailA 4.3-mile moderate hike with an elevation gain of 561 feet, providing a comprehensive experience of the park’s diverse landscapes.
- Stub Stewart Northern LoopA 4.1-mile loop starting at Hilltop Trailhead, offering scenic views and a gentle elevation gain of 480 feet.
Mountain Biking
Stub Stewart is renowned for its mountain biking trails, featuring over 15 miles of dedicated single-track paths. These trails cater to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders, and are among the best in Oregon’s state parks system. The park also connects to the Banks-Vernonia State Trail, a 21-mile paved path popular for biking, walking, and horseback riding.
Horseback Riding
Equestrians can enjoy approximately 15 miles of horse-friendly trails, with designated staging areas such as the Clayhill Horse Staging Area. The park’s trails are designed to accommodate horseback riders, offering a unique perspective of the forested terrain.
Disc Golf
For disc golf enthusiasts, Stub Stewart features two mountain-style courses
- Li’l StubA beginner-friendly 9-hole pitch-‘n’-putt course.
- Hares CanyonAn 18-hole course designed for intermediate and advanced players, with multiple pin positions to challenge players.
Stargazing
Due to its location away from city lights, Stub Stewart State Park is an excellent spot for stargazing. The park hosts star parties organized by organizations like OMSI, providing opportunities for amateur astronomers to observe the night sky. Visitors can obtain a free stargazing pass from the welcome center to stay after day-use hours for evening skywatching.
Camping and Accommodations
Stub Stewart State Park offers a variety of camping options to suit different preferences and group sizes.
Mountain Dale Cabin Village
The park’s cabin village provides a panoramic view of the forest and the Oregon Coast Range skyline. It features 15 cabins three double-room and 12 single-room each equipped with electricity, heat, ceiling fans, beds with vinyl-covered mattresses, a table and chairs, and a front porch bench. Cabins 6, 7, and 8 are pet-friendly, allowing up to two pets for an additional fee. Guests have access to a centrally located restroom with flush toilets and hot showers, as well as a reservable meeting hall with a kitchen and restroom facilities.
Brooke Creek Hike-In Camp
For those seeking a more rustic experience, the Brooke Creek Hike-In Camp offers 23 primitive campsites with nearby water sources. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and access to vault toilets. Sites 10 23 are reservable, while sites 1 9 are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Dairy Creek Campground
The main campground features 78 campsites, including 43 with full utility hookups, 23 hike-in primitive sites, and 12 walk-in tent sites. Amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers (for a fee), a playground, a reservable meeting hall, and a visitor center. All sites are paved and equipped with picnic tables and fire rings, providing a comfortable camping experience.
Hares Canyon Horse Camp
Equestrian campers can utilize the Hares Canyon Horse Camp, which offers 16 campsites. Fourteen of these sites have single-RV parking and a four-stall corral, while two sites feature double-RV parking and a six-stall corral. The camp also provides manure bins, flush toilets, and hot showers, ensuring a convenient stay for horseback riders.
Visitor Information
Stub Stewart State Park is open year-round, with a $5 parking permit required for day-use visitors. Alternatively, visitors can purchase a 12-month parking pass valid for all Oregon state parks. The park is accessible 24 hours a day, allowing guests to enjoy its amenities and natural beauty at their convenience.
Visitor Center and Amenities
The park’s visitor center offers information on the area’s flora, fauna, and history. It also provides maps, trail guides, and details about upcoming events and programs. The center serves as a hub for visitors seeking to enhance their park experience.
Accessibility
Stub Stewart State Park is committed to providing accessible facilities for all visitors. The park offers ADA-compliant restrooms, parking spaces, and trails, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can enjoy the park’s amenities and natural surroundings.
L.L. Stub Stewart State Park stands as a testament to Oregon’s commitment to preserving natural spaces and providing recreational opportunities for its residents and visitors. With its diverse range of activities, from hiking and mountain biking to stargazing and camping, the park offers a comprehensive outdoor experience. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Stub Stewart provides a welcoming environment to connect with nature and create lasting memories.