Sisters State Park is a local gem

Many readers may be surprised to know that there is an Oregon State Park in Sisters.

Sisters State Park was established in 1939. The park was named for the adjacent town of Sisters. The original 41 acres was purchased by Louis W. Hill for $1,532.

Map provided

After he purchased the land, Hill donated it to the State of Oregon for a park or some other public purpose. It was Hill's desire to preserve the old-growth pine forest on the property for use and enjoyment of future generations. Hill also wanted to ensure that the property was not used for any purpose that might create a traffic hazard at the adjacent highway junction.

In 1983, the State transferred ownership of 13 of the 41 acres to the City of Sisters. The area given to the city is on the west side of Highway 20. The city used the land to create two municipal parks adjacent to the remaining state park property. The city established a day-use picnic area on the north side of Squaw Creek (renamed Whychus Creek).

On the south side of the creek, the city took over the state's existing campground. The day-use site is called Creekside Park while the camping area is known as Sisters Creekside Campground. Both parks are owned and maintained by the City of Sisters. The remaining state park property is east of the two municipal parks.

In 1990, the City created a park master plan that identified how the two creek side parks would be developed. However, the city never submitted the plan to the State for approval. A subsequent city plan in 2011 suggested that a playground and volleyball courts be built at the park site. The plan also recommended that the existing restroom facilities be renovated, electrical upgrade be made to park lighting, and a kiosk with a city map be installed.

Apparently, no action was taken to implement those plans. In 2014, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department notified the city that no new development will be allowed in either of the municipal parks until a new Creekside Park Master Plan is submitted and approved.

The City created such a master plan in 2015 and has systematically made improvements, most recently the extensive renovation of the covered footbridge to improve handicap access and provide viewing bump outs of the creek.

Creekside Park, one of five city parks, is highly visible and a frequently used area for picnicking. It serves as an unmarked rest stop for many long-distance drivers who prize its shade and tranquility.

Less visible and less known to locals is Sisters Creekside Campground which offers a total of 60 camp sites including 28 full hook-up sites. Each site is equipped with a fire pit and a picnic table. The campground has restrooms and coin operated showers as well as an automated sewer discharge site.

In addition, there is an overflow section with five dry camp sites.

The campground is critical to Sisters' hospitality structure as pointed out by Explore Sisters Executive Director Scott Humpert.

"Creekside Campground is a gem," he said. "Given Sisters' relatively limited lodging availability, Creekside significantly adds to a diverse mix of overnight accommodations and provides a unique option for guests whether they are traveling in an RV, biking, or hiking.

"Conveniently located just off Highway 20, the campground is beautifully situated along Whychus Creek and offers quick access to Creekside Park along with a host of desirable amenities. Not only can visitors camp right in the heart of the city, but they are also steps away from shopping, dining, recreation, and events, which contributes to economic impact throughout the community."

City Manager Jordan Wheeler speaks of the campground's importance.

"Creekside Campground is a unique amenity that supports our local economy and tourism industry while also providing funding for our community's local park system," he said. "The campground is situated in a great location for visitors to easily experience all that our beautiful and vibrant town has to offer. Improvements to the campground and its growth in popularity have increased the revenues that the city then budgets towards the maintenance and upkeep of our other city parks."

The campground generates around $330,000 in revenue to the City each year.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

Jim and Dee McCormick and Dan and Linda Shaw serve as hosts at Sisters Creekside Campground.

The Nugget met with the camp hosts Jim and Dee McCormick and Dan and Linda Shaw. They chatted effusively about the high marks the campground routinely receives from guests. Ranging in origin from Australia and New Zealand to Europe, campers fill the facility to near capacity much of the season.

Likewise, the camp hosts heaped praise on the quality of the campground users.

The city and state have had on-again, off-again conversations for the best use and ultimate ownership of the remaining 28 acres which remain treed.