Crow Butte lies on the Washington side of the Columbia River at River Mile (RM) 262. Just downstream is Alder Creek, where Lewis and Clark spent the night of April 24, 1806. Upstream lies Canoe Ridge, and across from Crow Butte on the Oregon side lies the site of the historic community of Castle Rock. Before flooding of the valley behind the John Day Dam, Crow Butte was a part of the Washington shore. Now it is an island with a causeway connecting it to shore.
This 275 acre park is situated on a 1500 acre island in the Columbia River. The park offers boating, water skiing, fishing, wind surfing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Crow Butte Park is a destination campground offering many days of outdoor activities. The park is divided into both a campground and a day use area. Both areas offer flush toilets and (pay) hot showers. Hiking trails lead to the top pf the island's butte affording views of Mount Hood, Mount Adams and the lower Columbia River region. Deer, coyotes, rabbits and other wildlife are easily seen roaming the island at dusk and dawn. Two miles east of Crow Butte Park is Whitcomb Island, a part of the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge.