Benson

Benson State Recreation Area occupies a scenic location along the Columbia River Gorge, offering lake swimming, picnicking, and fishing with dramatic views of the gorge's basalt cliffs. The park features Benson Lake, a warm-water lake created from former gravel ponds, which provides some of the best swimming opportunities in the gorge. The setting combines the impressive natural beauty of the Columbia River Gorge with accessible recreational facilities.

Benson Lake supports warm-water fish including largemouth bass, bluegill, and crappie. Great blue herons stalk the shallows while osprey and bald eagles hunt from above. Waterfowl including mallards, wood ducks, and Canada geese use the lake seasonally. The surrounding gorge habitats support diverse wildlife from both the wet western and dry eastern climatic zones.

The park features a mix of vegetation reflecting the gorge's transitional climate. Douglas fir, Oregon white oak, and bigleaf maple grow in the surrounding forest. The lake shore has been landscaped for recreational use while retaining native riparian plants in some areas. Wildflowers including camas bloom in spring, though the site is modified from natural conditions.

The park lies within the Columbia River Gorge, carved through the Cascade Range by the Columbia River over millions of years. The dramatic basalt cliffs visible from the park were formed by massive lava flows from the Columbia River Basalt Group. Benson Lake occupies former gravel ponds created during highway construction. The Missoula Floods dramatically shaped the gorge landscape approximately 15,000 years ago.

The park experiences a transitional climate between the wet western gorge and the dry eastern gorge. Summer temperatures often reach the 80s-90s°F, warmer than the coast, making the lake swimming attractive. Winters are cool with temperatures in the 30s-50s°F. The gorge is known for strong winds, particularly in summer, though the park's location provides some shelter.

The Columbia River Gorge has been home to Chinookan peoples for thousands of years, with the river providing abundant salmon and serving as a major trade route. Euro-American exploration began with Lewis and Clark in 1805. The construction of the Historic Columbia River Highway in the 1910s transformed the gorge into a recreation corridor. Gravel mining for highway construction created the ponds that became Benson Lake.

The park is named for Simon Benson, a prominent Oregon lumber baron and philanthropist who championed construction of the Columbia River Highway. The former gravel ponds were converted to recreational use as a state park, providing swimming and fishing opportunities rare in the fast-flowing gorge. The park has served visitors since the early days of gorge tourism.

Benson Lake is the main attraction, offering warm-water swimming in a gorge setting where cold river water makes swimming challenging elsewhere. Fishing for bass, bluegill, and crappie is popular. The picnic areas provide scenic spots for day use. Views of the surrounding gorge cliffs add to the experience. The park connects to the regional trail network.

The park offers a swimming area with a designated swimming beach, picnic areas with tables and shelters, and restroom facilities. A boat ramp provides access for non-motorized boats. Located off Interstate 84 at exit 30, about 30 miles east of Portland, the park is easily accessible. Day-use fees apply during summer months. The park is open year-round.

The park is managed within the broader Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area framework. Water quality in Benson Lake is monitored to ensure safe swimming conditions. Invasive species management addresses threats to native plants and fish. The park demonstrates how former industrial sites can be repurposed for recreation while complementing surrounding natural areas.