🌤 Weather at State Capitol State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 38–69 °F | 51–84 °F | 39–78 °F | 35–52 °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 Salem Mcnary Field, 3 mi away, elevation 205 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
State Capitol State Park is not a park you drive to for a hike — it is the ground the Oregon State Capitol stands on. Three city blocks in the middle of Salem, Marion County, take in Capitol Park and Willson Park: clipped lawns, mature trees, four fountains and a run of memorials that give the seat of state government the feel of a public garden. It is open all year and costs nothing.
Quick Facts
| State | Oregon |
| County | Marion County |
| Address | 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301 |
| Size | Three city blocks (Capitol Park and Willson Park) |
| Fees | Free |
| Hours | Grounds open year-round; Capitol building hours vary |
| Managed by | State of Oregon |
Facts from the park’s Wikipedia entry, checked 10 September 2026; the Oregon State Parks page could not be retrieved for cross-checking.
Location & Getting There
The grounds sit in downtown Salem at 44.9385, -123.0304, a few minutes from I-5. Street parking and public garages surround the campus.
What to See
The building itself carries the gilded Oregon Pioneer on its cupola, with Leo Friedlander’s relief sculptures of Lewis and Clark and the covered wagons flanking the entrance. Around it stand the Circuit Rider equestrian statue, figures of Jason Lee and John McLoughlin, a Medal of Honor memorial and a replica of the Liberty Bell.
The Walk of Flags flies all fifty state flags and nine tribal flags. Water runs through the grounds in the Waite, Breyman and Sprague fountains and the Wall of Water. Among the trees is a Douglas-fir — Oregon’s state tree — grown from a seed that travelled to the Moon aboard Apollo 14, with rhododendrons, magnolias, dogwoods and Oregon grape planted between.
Explore More Oregon State Parks
Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Oregon guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at State Capitol 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 State Capitol 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
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