Maryhill State Park: A Perfect Picnic Stop on I-84

We were driving west last year through the Columbia River Gorge toward Multnomah Falls and eventually the Olympic Peninsula when we started to feel hungry. We checked Google Maps for restaurants along our route and decided we’d stop in Biggs Junction.

We were mostly seeing the dry, dusty hillsides of the Gorge as we drove. As we got closer to our exit, a green, tree-covered patch of land just across the Columbia River caught our attention.

That’s how we found Maryhill State Park in Washington. This quiet riverside park was perfect for stretching our legs, walking the dogs and enjoying a quick picnic lunch by the water before getting back on the road.

Enjoying a Picnic at Maryhill State Park

We took Exit 104 off I-84, grabbed lunch from a little food truck called Punjabi Dhaba, crossed the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge into Washington and pulled into the park along the river with our Styrofoam containers of Indian food.

We visited on a warm Saturday afternoon in late July. The park was busy with families grilling, kids running through the grass and a volleyball game going on nearby. The sun felt hot, but the winds whipping through the Gorge kept the air feeling cool. The breeze in the parking lot was a lot less intense than it was down by the water.

After paying the $10 day-use fee, we parked next to the shaded picnic area. There were plenty of picnic tables just a short walk from the lot, so we unpacked lunch while Toby and Lily stretched their legs on their leashes.

From where we sat, we could see the brown cliffs of the Columbia River Gorge through the trees.

Winds, Water and Riverfront Views

After lunch, we took the dogs for a walk down by the river, and that’s when the breeze turned into massive gusts. They got stronger the closer we walked to the shoreline. It’s easy to see why this stretch of the Columbia is popular for windsurfing.

We didn’t swim, but we saw families out in the water and a few people fishing from the shore.

A Great Stop Along I-84

This was our second time driving through the Gorge, but the first time we’d actually stopped long enough to enjoy it. Stopping at Maryhill gave us a chance to walk along the river. Plus, the park is dog-friendly for leashed pets.

We spent about an hour here, which felt like the perfect amount of time to picnic, walk the dogs and stretch our legs before getting back on the road.

Park Details at a Glance

• Location: Just off Hwy 97, right across the bridge from I-84 (Exit 104)
• Fee: $10 day-use pass (paid at the entrance)
• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, shaded areas, swimming/fishing access, camping section, volleyball court
• Pet-friendly: Yes, and our dogs loved it!
• Cell Service: No issues during our visit
• Best For: Picnics, quick leg stretches, riverside views and fresh air while on a long drive

Maryhill State Park Weather

Is Maryhill State Park Worth the Stop?

Definitely. If we’re passing through. It’s not a destination we’d go out of our way for, but if you’re heading through the Columbia Gorge and looking for a quick break with a great view, this park checks all the boxes.

The beach at Maryhill State Park

If you’re road-tripping through Oregon and wondering where to stop and eat without sitting in your car or stopping at a rest area, Maryhill State Park in Washington is worth crossing the bridge for. It gave us a windy place to eat lunch, walk the dogs and spend an hour enjoying the Columbia River before continuing towards Multnomah.

Have you stopped here before or have another favorite place along the Columbia River? Let us know in the comments below!