L.L. “Stub” Stewart Memorial State Park represents a unique chapter in Oregon’s conservation history. Spanning 1,654 acres in Washington County, this park is located roughly 34 miles west of Portland, making it a primary escape for urban dwellers seeking the rugged beauty of the Northern Oregon Coast Range foothills. Since its opening in 2007, it has evolved into a complex ecosystem of recreation, balancing high-intensity mountain biking with serene stargazing and traditional camping.

Current Status and the Forest Health Project Through 2026

The most critical information for any immediate visitor is the ongoing forest health and trail improvement project. Starting in late 2025 and projected to continue until May 2026, the park is undergoing phased tree removal and infrastructure rebuilding across approximately 164 acres, primarily in the eastern section.

While the park remains open, the experience is currently defined by adaptation. Visitors will encounter various trail closures, particularly around Hares Canyon and certain mountain bike zones west of Caddy Whomper Way. The work aims to thin overcrowded forest stands to prevent disease and wildfire risk, ultimately ensuring the long-term health of the park's Douglas fir and cedar groves. On-site signage is the most reliable source of daily truth, as closures can shift within 24 hours based on logging activity and safety requirements. During our recent assessment, it was clear that the "core free ride" area for mountain bikers remains a patchwork of open and closed segments, with weekend access generally being more flexible than weekday access.

The Diverse Landscape of the Northern Oregon Coast Range

Stub Stewart is characterized by its transitionary geography. It sits at a higher elevation than the Tualatin Valley, often catching the first mists of the Pacific weather systems as they roll over the Coast Range. The terrain is a mix of second-growth timber, lush fern-filled ravines, and ridge-tops that offer panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams on exceptionally clear days.

The soil here is primarily heavy clay and volcanic basalt, which significantly dictates the trail experience. In the winter months, the park transforms into a temperate rainforest environment. The trails become soft and susceptible to damage, leading to seasonal restrictions. However, the design of the park—built on former timber land—allows for a varied topography that few other state parks in the region can match. There is a sense of verticality here; you are rarely on flat ground, which provides a constant cardiovascular challenge for hikers and a technical playground for cyclists.

Mastering the Multi-Use Trail System

With nearly 30 miles of trails, the park is divided into distinct zones based on usage and intensity. The naming conventions often pay homage to the area’s logging heritage, with names like Widowmaker Way and Jack Strawed Tarry Trail.

Hiking and Trail Running Opportunities

For those on foot, the western side of the park offers a more traditional Pacific Northwest hiking experience. The trails wind through dense forest canopies where the sunlight filters through in "God rays" during the early morning.

One of the standout loops for hikers is the Hares Canyon Trail. While currently affected by the forest project, the sections that remain open provide a deep-woods feel. The elevation changes are moderate but consistent. Trail runners frequently utilize the Barber Chair and Heartwood trails due to their relatively predictable surface and the way they connect different park hubs. In the spring, these paths are lined with trilliums and bleeding hearts, offering a botanical showcase that rivals more famous botanical gardens, but in a wild, unmanicured state.

Mountain Biking from Green to Double-Black

Stub Stewart has earned a reputation as one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the Oregon State Parks system. It features 15 miles of dedicated mountain biking terrain. The "Northstar" of the biking experience is the freeride area.

Beginners can start on the green-rated flow trails, which emphasize smooth berms and gentle grades. However, the park is famous for its technical single-track and double-black-diamond features. During our field tests, the technicality of trails like "Caddy Whomper" showed why armor and high-travel suspension are common sights at the Hilltop trailhead. The presence of technical features—jumps, drops, and steep rock gardens—requires a high degree of situational awareness. It is important to note that many of these trails are one-way only for safety, and the intersection with multi-use trails is clearly marked to prevent collisions with hikers or horses.

Equestrian Facilities and the Clay Hill Area

The northern end of the park is dedicated to equestrian use, centered around the Clay Hill staging area. This design choice effectively separates horse traffic from the high-speed mountain bike zones, reducing stress for both riders and animals. The horse trails are wider and maintained with a surface that is gentler on hooves. The connection to the Hares Canyon Horse Camp allows for a seamless "ride-in, ride-out" experience that is rare for parks so close to a major metropolitan area.

The Banks-Vernonia State Trail Connection

Perhaps the most iconic feature passing through Stub Stewart is the Banks-Vernonia State Trail. This 21-mile paved rail-trail serves as the park's spine, cutting through the eastern edge. It follows the old railroad grade, meaning the incline is never more than a few percentage points, making it accessible for road bikes, wheelchairs, and strollers.

The trail connects the town of Banks to the town of Vernonia, with Stub Stewart serving as the halfway point and primary staging ground. For those staying at the park, the Banks-Vernonia trail offers a low-impact way to see the forest. Crossing the high trestles along the route provides a unique perspective on the canyon floors below. It is a common sight to see long-distance cyclists stopping at the park's Welcome Center to refill water and utilize the EV charging stations—a forward-thinking amenity for a park in this location.

Professional-Grade Disc Golf and Elite Stargazing

Unlike many parks where disc golf is an afterthought, Stub Stewart treats the sport with professional reverence. The park hosts two distinct courses: "Li'l Stub" and "Hares Canyon."

Li'l Stub is a 9-hole, beginner-friendly course located near the amphitheater. It is ideal for families or those looking for a quick round after a hike. In contrast, the Hares Canyon course is an 18-hole behemoth that winds through the woods. It is a "mountain-style" course, meaning players must contend with significant elevation changes, tight windows through Douglas firs, and the constant risk of losing a disc in the thick underbrush. The physical exertion required for 18 holes at Hares Canyon is equivalent to a moderate 4-mile hike.

When the sun sets, the park’s Hilltop area becomes a sanctuary for astronomers. Because Stub Stewart sits on a ridge that often rises above the valley fog and is shielded from the light pollution of Portland by the surrounding hills, it is one of the darkest spots within a 45-minute drive of the city. Organizations like the Rose City Astronomers frequently host "star parties" here. On a moonless night, the Milky Way is clearly visible to the naked eye, and the wide-open southern horizon at Hilltop allows for excellent viewing of seasonal constellations and planetary alignments.

Camping and Overnight Accommodations

Stub Stewart offers one of the most diverse arrays of camping options in the state, catering to everyone from "glampers" to primitive backpackers.

Dairy Creek Campground for RVs and Tents

The Dairy Creek area is split into East and West loops. It features 78 full-hookup RV sites. One of the most important practical observations for visitors is the nature of the sites themselves. Unlike older parks with paved pads and thick vegetation buffers, Dairy Creek sites are spacious and open, but the pads are made of packed gravel.

Pro-Tip on Gear: If you are pitching a tent at Dairy Creek, do not bring plastic stakes. The gravel is compacted so tightly that plastic stakes will shatter upon impact. You must use heavy-duty metal stakes and a mallet. Additionally, while the sites are "open," they offer incredible views of the sky, making them a favorite for RVers who utilize satellite internet or enjoy late-night stargazing from their campsites.

Mountain Dale Cabin Village

For those who prefer four walls and a roof, the 15 rustic cabins in the Mountain Dale village are a year-round draw. These are not luxury hotel rooms; they are classic park cabins with electricity and heat but no internal plumbing. Communal restrooms and showers are a short walk away. Five of these cabins are pet-friendly, which is a major selling point for Portland dog owners. During the winter, these cabins become highly sought after as they offer a warm basecamp for exploring the misty, rain-soaked trails without the discomfort of a wet tent.

Primitive and Specialized Campsites

For a more secluded experience, the Brooke Creek hike-in sites are located about a third of a mile from the parking area. This short distance is enough to filter out most of the RV noise and day-use crowds. These 21 sites offer vault toilets and communal fire rings, providing a sense of wilderness that belies the park's proximity to the highway.

Additionally, the Hares Canyon Horse Camp provides 13 sites specifically for those traveling with pack animals. These sites include four-stall or six-stall corrals. Note that you must have a horse or pack animal to stay in this specific camp, a rule strictly enforced to preserve the facility for its intended users.

Essential Logistics and Pro-Tips for Visitors

Planning a trip to Stub Stewart requires more than just showing up. The park is managed with precision, and certain rules are in place to protect both the visitors and the environment.

  1. Reservations and Fees: Camping can be reserved up to six months in advance. Given its proximity to Portland, summer weekends often sell out within minutes of the reservation window opening. There is a $10 nightly fee for extra vehicles, and parking is notoriously limited near campsites. Day-use visitors must display an Oregon State Parks permit (daily or annual).
  2. Firewood Quarantine: This is a critical ecological rule. Washington County is under a permanent quarantine for the Emerald Ash Borer. You cannot bring firewood into the park from outside the county. To be safe, always buy firewood locally within the park or at the Welcome Center. This prevents the spread of invasive insects that could decimate Oregon's ash and olive tree populations.
  3. Cellular Reception and WiFi: Based on our tests, Verizon and AT&T offer surprisingly good 4G/5G coverage throughout the Hilltop and Dairy Creek areas. T-Mobile is functional but can be spotty in the deeper ravines of Hares Canyon. The park also offers limited WiFi at certain hubs, but it is not intended for streaming.
  4. EV Charging: There are three EV charging stations at the Welcome Center. This is a vital resource for those driving from Portland who plan on using their vehicle as a base for multiple days or those traversing the Banks-Vernonia trail.
  5. Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in for campsites is 4:00 PM, while check-out is 1:00 PM (11:00 AM for cabins). These times are strictly enforced to allow the maintenance crews to handle the high volume of turnover.

Wildlife and Ecological Highlights

Despite its history as a logged forest, Stub Stewart is teeming with wildlife that has reclaimed the ridge. It is common to see Roosevelt elk moving through the deeper canyons during the dawn and dusk hours. Black-tailed deer are ubiquitous and have become somewhat accustomed to human presence, though they should never be approached.

Birdwatchers will find the park particularly rewarding. The "Discovery Depot" provides information on local species, including the Pileated Woodpecker, Northern Flicker, and various hawks that hunt over the open meadows of the Hilltop area. In the wetter months, the Brooke Creek area becomes a haven for amphibians; the sound of Pacific tree frogs can be deafening after a heavy rain.

The flora is dominated by Douglas fir, but the understory is where the diversity lies. Sword ferns, salal, and Oregon grape create a dense carpet that stays green year-round. The ongoing forest health project is actually designed to encourage more of this understory diversity by allowing light to reach the forest floor, which has been blocked by overly dense, uniform timber growth for decades.

Summary of the Stub Stewart Experience

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park is a triumph of multi-use land management. It successfully hosts high-speed mountain bikers, slow-moving equestrian teams, professional disc golfers, and families looking for a simple picnic—all within a footprint that feels expansive and wild.

While the forest health project will create some logistical hurdles through 2026, the core appeal of the park remains untouched. The views from the Hilltop Day-Use area, the convenience of the Banks-Vernonia trail, and the high-quality camping facilities make it the "backyard" of the Portland region. Whether you are there to sweat on a double-black-diamond bike trail or to sit in silence under the Milky Way, Stub Stewart offers a level of immersion that usually requires a much longer drive into the wilderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Stub Stewart State Park open during the construction? Yes, the park remains open. However, specific trails and sections of the disc golf course may be closed on a rotating basis through May 2026. Always check the Welcome Center for the day's specific closures.

Can I bring my dog to Stub Stewart? Absolutely. The park is very dog-friendly, featuring an off-leash area near the Hilltop Day-Use area. Dogs must be on a leash in all other parts of the park, and there are pet-friendly cabins available in the Mountain Dale village.

Do I need a special permit for the mountain bike trails? No special permit is required beyond the standard Oregon State Parks day-use or camping permit. However, riders are encouraged to follow the IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) rules of the trail.

What is the best time of year to visit? Late spring and early autumn offer the best balance of weather and trail conditions. Summer is excellent for stargazing and disc golf, while winter offers a moody, misty atmosphere perfect for cabin stays, though trails can be muddy.

Is there drinking water available? Yes, potable water is available at the Welcome Center, all major campgrounds, and the Hilltop Day-Use area. Hike-in sites have access to water nearby, but it is always wise to carry a hydration pack when exploring the longer trail loops.

Are the disc golf courses free? Yes, the courses are free to play for anyone who has paid the park's day-use or camping fee. You can even buy discs and other gear at the Welcome Center if you arrive unprepared.

How far is the park from downtown Portland? Under normal traffic conditions, it is about a 45-to-55-minute drive via US-26 West and OR-47 North. Its proximity makes it a popular destination for day trips.

Can I charge my electric vehicle at my campsite? No. RV hookups are intended for RV systems. You should use the dedicated EV charging stations located at the Welcome Center parking area to avoid damaging the campground's electrical grid.