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Access Site OR

Ontario State Park

Snake River Malheur River

Source: oregon_gov Updated 1 year ago

City: Ontario, OR
County: Malheur County
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 44.04891000, -116.97405000
Air Temp: --
Location
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Snake River
21 runs
There are no whitewater runs within 50 miles of this access site.
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
Difficulty Classes
I Easy II Novice III Intermediate IV Advanced V Expert/Extreme VI Unrunnable
Whitewater data from American Whitewater
About This Access Site
**Overview & Facilities**
Ontario State Park offers year-round day-use access to the Snake River just north of Ontario, Oregon. The site features a two-lane concrete boat ramp (located past the first parking lot) and separate raft launch/takeout facilities. The park includes modern restrooms, green grounds, and picnic areas, making it a comfortable staging point for river outings.

**River Character & Boating Conditions**
The Snake River at this location is a major waterway—a stream order 9 river averaging nearly 50,000 cubic feet per second with an average velocity of 10.81 feet/second. The river descends significantly across its 559-mile length with an average gradient of 15.8 feet/mile, indicating moderate current and dynamic conditions. Paddlers and boaters should be prepared for swift water and plan accordingly. This is a popular section for the Snake River Water Trail, with the park serving as a key access point for multi-day trips.

**Planning Your Visit**
Both the day-use area and boat ramp are open year-round, making this a reliable launch point for spring, summer, and fall paddling seasons. The site is managed in partnership with federal and non-federal agencies to support quality recreation. Check current river conditions and flow rates before launching, as the Snake River's high average flows demand respect and proper safety preparation.
Nearby Recreation Areas
Clay Peak Located within