🌤 Weather at Catherine Creek State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 31–68 °F | 47–87 °F | 30–77 °F | 25–44 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Union, 10 mi away, elevation 2,777 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Catherine Creek State Park is a public state park in Oregon near Union. The park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| Nearest City | Union |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.5/5 (400 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Catherine Creek State Park is located near Union, Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 45.3333, -117.7833.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Catherine Creek State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Oregon. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Catherine Creek State Park in northeastern Oregon’s Grande Ronde Valley provides forested recreation along Catherine Creek — a pristine mountain stream flowing from the Eagle Cap Wilderness. This remote region supports some of Oregon’s healthiest wildlife populations. Rocky Mountain elk number 10,000+ in the Blue Mountains. Mule deer are abundant. Bighorn sheep — reintroduced after historic extirpation — have established viable herds. The creek supports wild populations of bull trout — a native char species listed as threatened under the ESA that requires the coldest, cleanest water of any Oregon fish. Mountain lions patrol territories of 100+ square miles. The park’s ponderosa pine forest — with its distinctive puzzle-bark trunks and vanilla scent — represents the dry-side Oregon forest type.
Nearby Attractions
Wallowa Mountains — “Oregon’s Little Switzerland” — feature the Eagle Cap Wilderness with glacial lakes and alpine meadows. Wallowa Lake — a stunning glacial lake — offers a tramway to 8,200 feet. Joseph — named for Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce — has become an art destination with bronze foundries and galleries. Hells Canyon — North America’s deepest gorge — is accessible via jet boat from nearby. La Grande is home to Eastern Oregon University. Hot Lake Springs has been a thermal resort since the 1800s.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Minam State Recreation Area (within about an hour’s drive) or Hilgard Junction State Park (within about an hour’s drive).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Catherine Creek State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Catherine Creek State Park?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Catherine Creek State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
