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The Oregon State Park horse camps are absolutely stunning in scenery with overall outstanding facilities for both rider and horse. An easy 6-7 hour drive to Nahalem Bay State Park from Langley with numerous rest stops along the way proved to be worthwhile.
Just 20 minutes past Cannon Beach, the horse camp is attached to a larger conventional campground but totally separate. Each site has 2 corrals that can hold a maximum 4 horses, 2 per corral if needed. There is plenty of water taps throughout the eighteen site rustic camp however there is no power or sewer at the horse camp. Full facility washrooms with hot water and free showers are a mere 2 minute walk away or there are outhouses a little closer for those who prefer. There is a manure area where all horse manure must be disposed of prior to departure.
The riding is absolutely spectacular. Whether you access the beach which is only a 30 second ride over the sand dune that separates the camp from the ocean or if you choose to ride through the rain forest and along the Nahalem River which enters the Pacific Ocean you will be totally in awe of the scenery. You can choose a short 1 hour loop ride or you can head out for the day in any direction and rarely cover the same trail twice. You can head down the beach for a two hour ride in one direction, go through the rain forest , along the river shore and back to camp in about 4 hours stopping along the way for lunch and a cool drink. The riding is all flat and is suitable for all levels and abilities of rider and horse.
After 3-4 days of beach life you can head inland about 90 minutes toward Portland and be amazed with the facilities at L.L. Stub Stewart State Park, 30 minutes outside Portland. This facility is the newest State Park in Oregon, only in operation 1 year, as well as the largest park boasting 1600 acres of hiking and riding.
The horse camp sits atop a mountain that previously has been partially logged and planted. It has old growth forest, spectacular viewpoints and vistas. Quite a contrast from the beach riding.
The horse camp is fabulous with 18 sites. All sites have 4 corrals allowing for one horse per corral. Two sites have six corrals allowing 1 horse per corral. All sites have full power and sewer hookup. Full washroom and shower facilities are part of the horse camp. Conventional camping is a short drive down the hill.
The trails are well maintained and marked. There is terrain for the beginner and intermediate rider and horse but nothing dangerous or overly challenging. The horse camp is the nicest we have ever seen with access to some of the most beautiful forest in the northwest.
We hope that the pictures will give everyone a good idea of what we saw and encourage you to go and experience it for yourself. theses camps would be an excellent location for a group event over the course of a week.
You can get more info on Oregon State Park Horse Camps at www.oregonstateparks.org
*There are more photos in the Gallery!
Peter and Sheryl Thiessen, Aldergrove Chapter
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