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The long, rainy days of Oregon’s Willamette Valley can make anyone stir crazy, and sometimes we need to get outside for some fresh air. But mud, not so much. We often choose to visit Jasper State Recreation Site, just minutes from Springfield and stroller-friendly.
Jasper State Recreation Site, or Jasper State Park as it’s often called locally, is open year round (as of this update in November 2026). Even when the gate is closed, there’s a small parking area outside the gate and you’re welcome to park there and walk in.
Dog Park
Jasper State Park has a really fun dog park. There are usually a couple of picnic tables inside the park, along with a dog water fountain (only turned on during the summer).
The dog park is well-maintained and, if I’m being honest here, great for kids, too. The dogs and kids can both run around and get exercise without worrying about anyone falling into the river.
See? Dogs love the dog park! This is Shiloh, our Golden retriever.
Playground
The playground is always a hit and picnic tables are conveniently located nearby for dryer days.
The playground is the first place my kids run to when we visit Jasper State Park. When it’s dry enough, it’s the perfect spot for kids to play and spend some energy. Nearby are plenty of picnic tables. If it’s dry, take a picnic! Or a thermos of hot chocolate and a snack.
Sit nearby and watch the kids play. Pack a picnic! These tables are surrounded by wildflowers in the spring.
Picnic Shelters
Jasper State Park has four picnic shelters, all of which are reservable. Shelter 2 is the prettiest, next to the river. Shelters 1 and 3 are similar, but smaller. Shelter 4 is entirely covered and is closest to the playground.
Each shelter has propane stoves and running water available. Flush restrooms are located at each end of the park. There are walking trails near Shelters 1-3 and plenty of parking everywhere.
Shelters 1 and 3 are pretty much identical. They’re smaller, but located near each other. A swing set and volleyball are located right next door.
Shelter 2 has tons of seating for large groups.
Shelter 4 is closer to the dog park and the playground. With covered picnic tables, it’s ideal for spring and fall events.
Lots to see and learn!
As we walked along with our kids, we stopped to explore. My daughter picked up a white leaf and wondered if it was real, so we had a discussion about what happens to leaves in the fall and why they change color. My son picked up a couple of sticks. And our baby, in the stroller, reached to touch the leaves of a cedar.
Before you leave Jasper State Park, see if your kids can spot this “keyhole tree” near the roundabout. Ask them to guess how it formed that way. What can they see when they look up through the hole?
No trip to a riverside park is complete without a stop to throw rocks into the river. There’s a small but broad beach area, and this is perfect for taking a break and skipping rocks. Be forewarned: if your dog is with you, they will love getting into the water here!
In the summer, this is a nice little swim area. My kids enjoy throwing rocks into the water.
Let’s go!
If you go to Jasper State Recreational Site (aka Jasper State Park) and I hope that you do…
Parking: $10 per day ($12 for non residents), or an annual pass
Bathrooms: flush toilets and sinks are located at each end of the park
Accessibility: the park is very flat, and most strollers will have no trouble. There are sidewalks to accomodate wheelchairs, and some chairs may be able to go on the riverside walking path as well. Bathrooms are accessible.
