Crow Butte Facts

Crow Butte island is situated in the majestic Columbia River. The 275 acre park is on the island and accessible by motor and river traffic. There are 50 full service camping spots, two boat launches and a boat basin.

Crow Butte Park was initially developed by the Corps of Engineers and then transferred to the State of Washington. The state managed the facility for several years, but was unable to continue operation when budgets became strained. Local farmers in the region formed an association and managed the park for four years. The farmers were having difficulty sustaining the maintenance of the park and asked the Corps of Engineers to lease the park to the Port of Benton effective August 1, 2007.

The Port’s decision to invest in the park followed meetings with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and officials of Benton and Klickitat Counties. The Port collaborated with these two counties and the tribes to define a succession plan. The Port of Benton is currently developing a master plan, which will lead to major upgrades in the park in the next three years. The Port believes that this area of its district will continue to grow in economic importance as a result of wine and agri-tourism. The island on which the park is located is culturally significant to the tribes, leading to a ceremony on August 28th, 2007, in which the tribes formally blessed the park.