Farewell Bend
State Recreation Area

Near Ontario, Oregon, United States

Park Overview

Farewell Bend State Recreation Area features a beautiful desert experience on the banks of the Snake River's Brownlee Reservoir.  Historic markers and interpretive displays provide visitors with information on Farewell Bend's significance on the Oregon Trail. The RV and tent campsites make excellent base camps as you explore the the Snake River Water Trail and other regional attractions.

Brownlee Reservoir offers fishing, water skiing and boating. For fishing information, check with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Current water levels are posted on the Idaho Power website.

The park is open for day-use year-round. The day-use area features a wide, paved boat ramp, fish cleaning station and viewing deck. There are horseshoe pits, sand volleyball court, basketball court and picnic areas for you to enjoy. You may even see wildlife, including deer, pronghorn, geese, eagles, chukars, and quail. 

Seasonal Camping

Campground is open from about April 15 - Oct. 31, weather permitting. Standard electrical sites are reservable May 1 – Sept. 30. Limited first-come, first-served camping may be available during the winter months. Check park advisories on this page for updates, or call the park. Campers may book reservations up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.

  • 91 electrical sites with water; one is accessible. Reservable May 1 – Sept. 30.
  • 23 tent sites with water nearby (first-come, first-served).
  • Two accessible log cabins; one is pet-friendly. Reservations required.

Other amenities:

  • Flush toilets and hot showers
  • Firewood and ice for sale
  • RV dump station
  • Fish cleaning station
  • Fenced off-leash pet area

Advisories: 

  • Mosquito populations can be high during summer.
  • The park is under drought conditions and has limited capacity to irrigate. The reservoir is also low. The irrigation system is undergoing a major repair project that should be better able to handle current and long-term drought and continued annual low-water levels in the reservoir. The work will be completed by Fall 2022.
 Effective Aug 1, 2022
Sites in A loop are closed until further notice to conserve park resources. B and C loops remain open for both reservation and first-come, first-served camping. First-come, first-served sites are typically available one night only. Longer stays may require a reservation. Book reservations at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
 Effective Jul 13, 2022
Open flame restrictions are in effect beginning July 13 until further notice. The ban includes wood fires, charcoal briquettes, pellet-fueled grills, candles, tiki torches and other devices that emit flames or embers and cannot be turned off with a valve. Portable cooking stoves, barbecues, fire pits, and lanterns using liquefied or bottle fuels are allowed. 
View all notices for this park
mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use Year Round mdi-tent Open for camping Mar 18 – Oct 31 mdi-car-side First-come, first-served camping mdi-cellphone Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 541-869-2365 mdi-heart-outline You may also like Current Conditions Directions Feedback

Amenities & Features

Questions

mdi-help-circle-outline General

Is there WiFi at Farewell Bend State Park

No WiFi is available at Farewell Bend State Park

 

mdi-help-circle-outline About Camping

Is firewood available for purchase? Is ice available for purchase?

Farewell Bend campground sells firewood ($7 a bundle) and ice ($3 a bag) near site B45.  

mdi-help-circle-outline What's Allowed

Is my dog allowed in the park?

Pets are welcome at Farewell Bend State Park. Leashes are required  and may be no longer than 6 feet. An off-leash dog park is at the south end of the park near the main entrance. Please pick up all pet waste; pet waste bags are provided in most areas of the park.
For more questions, review our statewide FAQ

History

After following the Snake River for 330 miles, Oregon Trail pioneers rested above the bend in the river here, then bid farewell to the Snake River and continued their trek. Look for a small iron cross, visible from U.S. 30, that marks the location where the Snake River Shoshone Indians battled with pioneer travelers in 1860.  Restored covered wagons rest at the park entrance and next to the Oregon Trail kiosk.  You can also visit the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center on Flagstaff Hill just east of Baker City, no more than an hour's drive away.   

Brochures and Maps

mdi-file-pdf-box Campground Map

Photos