Brooks Memorial State Park
A 700-acre park offering diverse trails for hiking and horseback riding, camping, bird watching, and clear night skies for stargazing.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Brooks Memorial State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 700-acre park offering diverse trails for hiking and horseback riding, camping, bird watching, and clear night skies for stargazing.
"Beautiful park with great trails for horses and hikers, and amazing stargazing opportunities!"
🎯 Camping Signage
Tent camping signage can be subtle; look carefully for trailheads leading to sites.
👂 Road Noise Awareness
Some campsites may experience traffic noise from the nearby highway, especially at night.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Hiking & Equestrian Trails
Throughout the park
Explore miles of trails winding through pine forests and oak stands, perfect for hiking and horseback riding.
Meadow Views
Top of the hill
Enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Hood and vibrant wildflowers from this picturesque meadow.
Bird Watching Opportunities
Various habitats
Discover diverse bird species amidst the park's varied ecosystems.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Camping Without Reservations
Trail Conditions & Footing
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🎯 Camping Signage
Tent camping signage can be subtle; look carefully for trailheads leading to sites.
👂 Road Noise Awareness
Some campsites may experience traffic noise from the nearby highway, especially at night.
🚿 Shower Temperature
Showers are free, but water temperature can be lukewarm.
🐴 Horse Trail Footing
Most trails have good footing, but some gravel sections may require hoof protection for sensitive horses.
Best places with low light pollution for stargazing?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Camping Signage
Tent camping signage can be subtle; look carefully for trailheads leading to sites.
👂 Road Noise Awareness
Some campsites may experience traffic noise from the nearby highway, especially at night.
🚿 Shower Temperature
Showers are free, but water temperature can be lukewarm.
🐴 Horse Trail Footing
Most trails have good footing, but some gravel sections may require hoof protection for sensitive horses.
🔭 Stargazing Potential
The park offers low light pollution, making it a good spot for amateur stargazing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Brooks Memorial State Park for its beautiful trails, scenic views, and excellent conditions for horseback riding. The low light pollution makes it a great spot for stargazing. However, some find campsite signage unclear, and traffic noise can be a concern at certain locations. The park's summer closures and lukewarm showers are also noted drawbacks.
"I have hiked and ridden my horses at this place many times. I love the trails here. Some spots are more difficult and single track but most of the trails are wide enough to easily ride side by side with someone. The meadow at the top of the hill has a beautiful view of Mt. Hood and pretty flowers. They even have some picnic tables you can sit at!
The rangers have been working hard this year to block off trails that are not part of the trail system and make them easier to follow. Excellent conditioning trails that have good footing and nice long hills. If your horse is really sensitive to rocks, I'd recommend protective hoof wear. Most of it is soft but there are some gravel parts that could bother a tender footed horse. -1 star because they are closed in the summer! Big bummer. I would LOVE if they would add a horse campground."
Miranda Lanford
"Came here in late October during the week and I was the only one tent camping (it was pretty cold so I can see why). The tent camping signage could use some work since it wasn’t very obvious where the trails leading to them were, and the trail itself was so nondescript that I wasn’t even sure if it was the right one. Beautiful park regardless, but definitely bring earplugs for the traffic noise at night."
Hongtai Yang
"Very nice park, has disc golf and lots of hiking trails, but it’s close to the highway so lots of road noise till late in the evening, bathrooms very clean, nice picnic area."
zach r
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Brooks Memorial State Park is located between the Simcoe Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge. Access is typically via Highway 97. The drive itself is scenic, with the park nestled in a beautiful natural setting.
Public transportation options to Brooks Memorial State Park are limited. It is best accessed by private vehicle. Consider carpooling if traveling with others.
The park is situated in a more rural area of Washington. The closest larger towns would be Goldendale to the east or The Dalles, Oregon, across the Columbia River to the south.
The park has RV sites and is accessible by road. Ensure your RV is suitable for winding roads if approaching from certain directions, but main access routes are generally well-maintained.
Parking is available for day-use visitors and campers. The park has designated areas, and it's advisable to arrive earlier during peak times to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Washington State Discover Pass is typically required for day-use access to state parks, including Brooks Memorial State Park. This pass can be purchased online or at various retail locations.
State parks are generally open year-round from dawn to dusk for day use. Camping facilities have specific check-in and check-out times. It's always a good idea to check the official Washington State Parks website for any seasonal closures or specific hours.
Brooks Memorial State Park offers first-come, first-served tent and RV sites, meaning reservations are not typically required for these. Yurts may have different booking procedures, so it's best to verify.
Camping fees apply at Brooks Memorial State Park. These fees vary depending on the type of site (tent, RV, yurt). Check the Washington State Parks website for current pricing.
Day visitors will need a Washington State Discover Pass for entry. This pass covers access to most Washington State Parks for a year.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park boasts miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes, including pine forests and oak stands. Trails range from easy to more challenging, with some single-track options.
Yes, the park is very popular for horseback riding. Many trails are wide enough for riding side-by-side, offering excellent conditioning opportunities.
Brooks Memorial State Park is a great spot for bird watching due to its environmental diversity. Keep an eye out for various species in the forests and meadows.
Campers can find tent and RV sites, and some yurts are available. The park also has picnic tables, and clean bathrooms. Free showers are available, though the water temperature can be lukewarm. +1
The park is noted for having low light pollution, making it an excellent location for stargazing and observing meteor showers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no restaurants or food services directly within Brooks Memorial State Park. Visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks for picnics or camping meals.
The nearest dining options would be in the nearby towns of Goldendale or The Dalles. These towns offer a range of casual eateries and restaurants.
Yes, Brooks Memorial State Park has picnic areas with tables, making it a pleasant spot for a midday meal amidst nature.
Campfire regulations can vary based on fire danger levels. Check with park staff or the Washington State Parks website for current restrictions on campfires.
Potable water is typically available at campgrounds within Washington State Parks. It's always wise to confirm availability upon arrival or check the park's official information.
📸 📸 Photography
The meadow at the top of the hill offers stunning views of Mt. Hood and wildflowers, ideal for landscape photography. The diverse trails through pine and oak forests also provide beautiful natural backdrops.
With its low light pollution, Brooks Memorial State Park is an excellent location for astrophotography, especially during meteor showers or clear nights.
Golden hours, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offer the best natural light for photography. The meadow views are particularly striking during these times.
Drone usage in Washington State Parks is generally restricted. It's essential to check the specific regulations on the Washington State Parks website before flying a drone.
The park's diverse habitats support various bird species and other small wildlife. Patience and a good zoom lens can yield great wildlife shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While camping is available, families should be aware of the potential for highway noise at some sites.
🐴 Equestrians
While the trails are generally good, riders with horses sensitive to rocks should consider protective hoof wear, as some sections are gravelly.
🌌 Stargazers
Combine a camping trip with a night of celestial observation. The park's peaceful environment, away from major city lights, enhances the stargazing experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails
The park rangers have been actively working to improve trail clarity by blocking off unofficial paths and making the designated routes easier to follow. For equestrians, the trails provide excellent conditioning with long, gentle hills and good footing. However, riders with horses sensitive to rocks should be aware that some sections are gravelly and may require protective hoof wear.
While the park is beautiful year-round, it's worth noting that it can be closed during the summer months due to fire danger, which can be a disappointment for those planning summer visits.
Camping Experience
Campers can expect clean bathrooms and free showers, though some visitors have noted that the shower water can be lukewarm.
While the park is appreciated for its natural beauty, some campers have found the signage for tent sites to be less obvious, requiring a bit of exploration to locate the trails leading to them.
Stargazing and Night Skies
The open spaces and minimal artificial light create an ideal environment for spotting constellations and enjoying the vastness of the universe. For those looking to combine camping with stargazing, Brooks Memorial State Park offers a peaceful and accessible option.
While the park is great for stargazing, it's important to be aware of potential traffic noise from the highway, which might be more noticeable during quieter night hours depending on your campsite's location.
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