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.
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. Reservations may be booked up to 6 months in advance at oregonstateparks.reserveamerica.com.
Advisories:
No WiFi is available at Farewell Bend State Park
Farewell Bend campground sells firewood ($7 a bundle) and ice ($3 a bag) near site B45.
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.
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.