Hat Rock State Park

Lewis and Clark noted this rock's resemblance to a hat.

"Lewis and Clark named this Hat Rock" by davidjlee is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

Quick Facts

Location:

Hermiston, OR

MANAGED BY:

Oregon State Park

Amenities

13 listed

Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Toilet - Flush, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

This map shows a range of features associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail spans a large portion of the North American continent, from the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. The trail is comprised of the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an auto tour route, high potential historic sites (shown in black), visitor centers (shown in orange), and pivotal places (shown in green). These features can be selected on the map to reveal additional information. Also shown is a base map displaying state boundaries, cities, rivers, and highways. The map conveys how a significant area of the North American continent was traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and indicates the many places where visitors can learn about their journey and experience the landscape through which they traveled.

Hat Rock is an errotional remenant warn way by floods from glaciers which melted over ten thousand years ago. Lewis and Clark saw this monument on their expedition and noted that it had a strong resemblance to a man’s hat. Imagine seeing this otherworldly boulder in the middle of a field of rolling hills in a vast, unexplored territory. The members of the expedition must have felt like they were on a different planet!

While visiting Hat Rock today doesn’t have the same element of surprise, visitors will be able to enjoy a truly unique and beautiful landscape. The main attraction is of course, Hat Rock, and most people hike in the park to admire its natural beauty. Outside of Hat Rock, there are fields of scrubland peppered with flowers, as well as lush trees surrounding bodies of water. The park has its own pond, which is popular for fishing as it is teeming with rainbow trout. It also has access to a lake, a great place for water sports, and a sand volleyball court near the weather shelters. It is a perfect place for the whole family to experience the beauty of Oregon along the Columbia River.