Crow Butte State Park

Crow Butte State Park offers a reliable year-round boat ramp for accessing Lake Umatilla (the reservoir behind John Day Dam) on the Columbia River's mid-lake section along the Washington shore. The facility features a single-lane concrete ramp with an adjoining dock and paved parking, capable of handling most recreational boats including kayaks and canoes. The park is conveniently located off Washington State Highway 14 at milepost marker 155, near Paterson in Benton County.

Beyond the launch itself, Crow Butte is a well-developed recreation area with seasonal camping (including full hookup sites), day-use facilities, picnic shelters, restrooms with showers, and a snack bar. This makes it an excellent base for multi-day paddling trips on Lake Umatilla. The lake offers scenic panoramic views and generally tranquil conditions suitable for various water activities. Anglers will also find sturgeon, steelhead, salmon, and shad throughout the reservoir.

For paddlers seeking alternatives in the area, additional launches exist at Plymouth and Roosevelt on Lake Umatilla, though Crow Butte is noted as one of the better-developed facilities. Day-use and camping fees apply; check Recreation.gov or contact the John Day Lock and Dam for current information and availability.

This recreation area is part of John Day Lock and Dam, Lake Umatilla