Recreation opportunities abound in Heppner and the surrounding area. With an elevation of 1800 and a location in the foothills, the weather and climate are milder and access to the forest and lakes are only a short distance away. Camping opportunities are plentiful. Three major campgrounds offer a variety of options for tent or RV camping or anything in between. Cutsforth Park and Anson Wright Park offer tent and RV campers many amenities with hook-ups, tent sites, restrooms and showers. Since 2003, the OHV Park is a major destination for off-road lovers. We recommend that you visit www.morrowcountyparks.org for complete campground information on these three recreation areas.
Elk, deer and bear make the Heppner area a popular destination for hunters. Pheasant, chukar, Hungarian partridge, dove, turkey and quail are the favorite game birds in the region.
Fishermen will find a haven in the region surrounding Heppner. Willow Creek Reservoir is home to several fish species including trout, bass, crappie and catfish. Additionally, four streams meet at Heppner. Children love to fish in Willow Creek as it meanders through town. Penland Lake, Cutsforth Park and Anson Wright Park also provide nearby fishing opportunities while the Columbia River, to the north, contains salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, walleye and other game fish.
The Willow Creek Water Park offers fun summertime activities to people of all ages without having to leave town.
Winter recreation lovers will find opportunity to enjoy the outdoors during colder months. Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are favorite wintertime activities for locals. Numerous trails in the Umatilla National Forest provide plenty of opportunities for adventure and scenic vistas.