🌤 Weather at Hat Rock State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35–72 °F | 54–88 °F | 35–78 °F | 30–46 °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 Mcnary Dam #2, 6 mi away, elevation 361 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Hat Rock State Park is a public state park in Oregon near Hermiston. Spanning 719 acres and established in 1951, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| Nearest City | Hermiston |
| Park Size | 719 acres |
| Established | 1951 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Hat Rock State Park is located near Hermiston, Oregon. The park’s coordinates are 45.9147, -119.1650.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Hat Rock 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
Hat Rock State Park — named for a distinctive hat-shaped rock pillar noted by Lewis and Clark in 1805 — sits along the Columbia River in northeastern Oregon’s high desert. The rock is a basalt erosional remnant — a column of hard volcanic rock left standing after softer surrounding material eroded away. The park provides access to Lake Wallula, a reservoir on the Columbia. The surrounding sagebrush steppe supports desert wildlife — burrowing owls nest in abandoned badger holes, western meadowlarks sing from fence posts, and loggerhead shrikes impale prey on barbed wire. The Columbia River through this section supports migrating salmon, steelhead, and white sturgeon. California quail — with their distinctive forward-curling head plumes — are abundant in the brushy areas.
Nearby Attractions
McNary National Wildlife Refuge provides exceptional birding along the Columbia. Umatilla is a Columbia River community with riverside recreation. Pendleton — 40 miles south — hosts the legendary Pendleton Round-Up rodeo and Pendleton Woolen Mills. Tamástslikt Cultural Institute interprets the history of the Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla tribes. Hermiston is known for its sweet watermelons. Cold Springs National Wildlife Refuge provides waterfowl viewing.
More parks nearby: Emigrant Springs State Heritage Area is elsewhere in the state, while Ukiah-Dale Forest State Scenic Corridor lies elsewhere in the state.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Hat Rock 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 Hat Rock 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 Hat Rock State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
