The best walks and hikes in L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park offers a diverse network of over 9 hiking trails. These trails range from easy strolls to more moderate routes with elevation changes, providing options for various skill levels.

The park features a mix of trail difficulties. You'll find 4 easy routes, perfect for a relaxed walk, and 5 moderate trails that include elevation changes and cover more distance. Most trails are considered moderate, offering a good balance of challenge and accessibility.

Yes, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is very family-friendly. Many of the 4 easy trails are suitable for families with children. For example, the Hares Canyon Horse Camp – Clayhill Horse Staging Area loop from Hilltop Day Use Area is an easy 3.1-mile path that can be completed in about 1 hour 25 minutes, offering forested areas and views.

Yes, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are generally welcome on the hiking trails. The park also features an off-leash pet area, providing space for your dog to play freely. Always ensure your dog is under control and clean up after them.

Hikers in L.L. Stub Stewart State Park will experience diverse landscapes including rolling hills, dense Douglas-fir, western red cedar, and western hemlock forests, open meadows, and forest glades. The park also features gleaming streams, marshes, and canyons. From higher points like the Hilltop Day-use Area, you can enjoy magnificent westward views of the Coast Range.

Yes, the park offers several points of interest. The Hilltop Shelter & Viewpoint provides excellent vistas of the Coast Range. You might also encounter an old railroad bridge along some routes. The Hares Canyon Trail itself is a notable feature, winding through varied terrain.

Spring and summer are particularly beautiful times to visit, with wildflowers adding to the park's natural beauty. However, the park is open year-round, and its diverse trails can be enjoyed in all seasons. Fall offers vibrant foliage, and winter hiking can be peaceful, though conditions may vary.

Yes, L.L. Stub Stewart State Park features several loop trails. A popular option is the Bumping Knots loop from the Welcome Centre, a 6.5-mile moderate route. Another is the Hares Canyon Trail loop from Welcome Center, which is 4.6 miles long.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is home to a variety of wildlife. Hikers have opportunities to spot Roosevelt elk, black-tailed deer, and bobcats. The park is also a great location for birdwatching, with numerous species inhabiting its diverse habitats.

Yes, the park offers a range of amenities. These include year-round camping with RV sites, tent sites, and rustic cabins, as well as picnic shelters. The Discovery Depot Welcome Center provides information on the park's flora, fauna, and history. There are also facilities for mountain biking and horseback riding, including the Clayhill Horse Staging Area and the Hares Canyon Horse Camp.

The park provides ample parking at various trailheads and day-use areas, such as the Hilltop Day-use Area. While public transport options directly to the park may be limited, it is located just 30-40 miles west of Portland, making it accessible by car.

Beyond hiking, the park is a hub for outdoor activities. It boasts 15 miles of mountain biking trails for all skill levels, two disc golf courses (Li'l Stub and Hares Canyon), and miles of horse-friendly trails. Due to low light pollution, it's also a favored spot for stargazing, with organizations like OMSI often hosting star parties.