If you've heard ancient stories through the wind-carved basalt cliffs and the meandering John Day River, then you're in Eastern Oregon , right in the rugged landscape, where the canyon walls are even more dramatic after dark.

Cottonwood Canyon State Park, Oregon's newest state park, is a dreamscape for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. The park's basalt cliffs echo the immense layered rocks of Arizona's Grand Canyon, the most-visited natural wonder in the world , although Cottonwood Canyon isn't as massive as the latter.

Cottonwood stuns on a cinematic scale, giving Grand Canyon vibes by day, but it's after sunset that it gets even more magical. Additionally, it's a certified DarkSky Place, making it a soul-stirring experience for travelers. Here's why you should earmark a trip

See Full Page