Attractions
Brooks Memorial State Park is a bright spot of colors, views and birdsongs, off the beaten path in south central Washington.
Brooks Memorial sits between the pine forests of the Simcoe Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge. This environmental diversity makes for a stunning park site. The miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails lead along the Little Klickitat River and up through Ponderosa pine and stands of Oregon white oak. As you gain elevation, you will find yourself in subalpine meadows with a profusion of wildflowers in spring and panoramic views that include Mount Hood to the south. One of the newer at Brooks Memorial State Park is the disc golf course set in the pines. Save energy for the park’s more classic picnic and park activity options – a swingset and horseshoe pit.
Groups can rent the Environmental Learning Center, Here, which sleeps more than 70 people in cozy cabins clustered around a lodge with a great hall.
You can gaze at the stars from your campsite or head to Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site, just 20 minutes away, for some of the best night sky viewing in the Pacific Northwest.
Nearby Maryhill State Park, Maryhill Museum, the Stonehenge replica and the orchards and wineries of the eastern Columbia River entice the cultural traveler, and the river itself is a sight to behold. Alternating days of touring and trails make for great vacation memories in this Washington sweet spot.
Brooks Memorial sits between the pine forests of the Simcoe Mountains and the Columbia River Gorge. This environmental diversity makes for a stunning park site. The miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails lead along the Little Klickitat River and up through Ponderosa pine and stands of Oregon white oak. As you gain elevation, you will find yourself in subalpine meadows with a profusion of wildflowers in spring and panoramic views that include Mount Hood to the south. One of the newer at Brooks Memorial State Park is the disc golf course set in the pines. Save energy for the park’s more classic picnic and park activity options – a swingset and horseshoe pit.
Groups can rent the Environmental Learning Center, Here, which sleeps more than 70 people in cozy cabins clustered around a lodge with a great hall.
You can gaze at the stars from your campsite or head to Goldendale Observatory State Park Heritage Site, just 20 minutes away, for some of the best night sky viewing in the Pacific Northwest.
Nearby Maryhill State Park, Maryhill Museum, the Stonehenge replica and the orchards and wineries of the eastern Columbia River entice the cultural traveler, and the river itself is a sight to behold. Alternating days of touring and trails make for great vacation memories in this Washington sweet spot.
History
Acquired in six parcels between 1944 and 1957, Brooks Memorial State Park is named for and dedicated to area citizen Nelson B. Brooks, who is credited with establishing an excellent community road system.