Tranquil, crystal-clear waters and towering ponderosa pines frame the landscape at Catherine Creek State Park. Cradled in a canyon created by the creek, the park provides visitors a cool, quiet and peaceful setting for outdoor activities. Camp in the campground next to Catherine Creek and enjoy the thrill of landing a rainbow trout or simply cool your heels in its icy waters.
Bring your friends or family and enjoy a day in our picnic area: play a game of horseshoes, take a leisurely hike along the trail between the campground and picnic area for views of picturesque canyon scenery, or simply kick back under a tree and enjoy the summer breeze through the pines.
While staying at the park, explore nearby attractions such as the Union County Museum in the town of Union, take a drive to Eagle Creek to do some fishing or visit any of the many pioneer graveyards. Drive to the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center near Baker City, or head east to the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest. The towns of Union and La Grande offer visitors full-service shopping, restaurants, community events and emergency services. Whether you are looking for a quiet, out-of-the-way location to spend a night or a week, Catherine Creek State Park can accommodate you.
Acquired in 1947 by gift from Union County and the E. S. Collins Estate. An additional parcel was transferred from the Oregon Highway Division as a park maintenance site in 1975. The area was once known as Presbyterian Flat. When owned by E. S. Collins, a prominent Portland lumber man, it was known as Collins Park. In 1932, Mr. Collins deeded the tract to Union County for park purposes. Partly due to problems in maintenance funding, the county deeded the land to the state. The area was developed for day use and primitive camping in the 1950's.
