Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site
Guide

The park is home to the Kam Wah Chung State Heritage Site. This building hosts historic artifacts from when the area was a trading post near a gold mine. There was also a herbal apothecary, as well as a Chinese community center.

The site is open from May through October, and you’ll have to sign up for a ranger-led tour. These tours are free, and can be booked at the visitor center. The visitor center also hosts a number of interpretive displays that highlight the area’s history. There is a gift shop located in the visitor center as well.

The park also offers interpretive programs throughout peak season in the summer. These programs are hosted at the amphitheater that is conveniently located next to the RV campground on John Day River.

Programs vary widely, from nature discussions to shows targeted at kids. Visit the park office for more information on programs that are available during your stay.

The park is situated along the banks of John Day River, making for excellent fishing throughout the year. The river is famous for having some of the best bass fishing in the country. Peak season runs from mid June until August. However, you should get bites anytime between early spring and late fall.

The river also has summer steelhead, which you can spot in season as they spawn. These fish are catch and release, with the exception of any fin clipped hatchery strays. Fishing is excellent from the shore, but you can also take a boat out onto the river.

If you plan on packing your binoculars in your campervan you are in luck. The park is also an excellent destination for any RV camper interested in birdwatching. You’ll find dozens of species near John Day River in the park, many of them native to the Northwest.

In spring and summer, look for American white pelican and gull. You’ll also be able to spot bald eagle, as well as western bluebird and great grey owl. Check the visitor center for bird checklists that will tell you what to look out for. Oregon’s park department also produces a number of resources on birds in the state, available on their website.

Clyde Holliday State Recreation Site is surrounded by some of the well-protected natural preserves in the state. This makes for excellent hiking no matter the season. The park also has a nature trail that follows the river to a secluded pond area. The trails picks up right by the teepee camping area, and leads to some of the best spots for wildlife viewing in the park. It can be reached in just minutes from the main RV camping area at Cascara Campground.

You won't be disappointed if you pack your bike in your rig. The park has a number of scenic bike paths that lead along the river and through the surrounding willow and cottonwood forests. The park is also right next to the Old West Scenic Bikeway, which leads you along some of the state’s most famous historical sites and most beautiful terrain.

The park’s biking trails are also perfect for wildlife viewing, as you can catch species such as elk and deer as they come down to the river and the pond.