Corbett, OR

Benson State Park

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1.715(based on 14 reviews)
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7 0
MilwaukeeMark
Experience: 6 played 2 reviews
2.50 star(s)

Novice tourist in town? This course is PERFECT! 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Feb 25, 2020 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

Easy, short holes great for beginners or friends that don't really care. Plus, there's huge ace potential for those of us who know what they're doing, which of course doesn't include me. Pretty epic view of a waterfall along with a couple bridges and a creek keep it interesting. To get back to Portland, you have to visit the Multnomah Falls parking lot so it's an easy 1-2 tourist punch. Eat your picnic lunch at one of the many tables or covered area. Bathrooms in summer.

Cons:

Super short holes might make you laugh a little. It's right next to the freeway, more than Rooster Rock is next to the freeway. No view of Multnomah Falls. Bathrooms closed in winter.

Other Thoughts:

If you're playing Rooster Rock, you should play here too.
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6 0
radsnowsurfer
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 19.9 years 175 played 49 reviews
1.50 star(s)

Better than I feared! Worth stopping at on a trip to Rooster Rock at least once 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 27, 2018 Played the course:once

Pros:

As a long time Portland disc golf local, Benson park was one of those courses I always knew about, but due to its reputation, I just never stopped and played it. Benson is conveniently on the way to Rooster Rock DGC as well as on a longer trip out to the other courses in the Columbia River Gorge. Honestly, one of the main "pros" to this course is simply the fact that the course is really easy to get to off of I-84. From the highway exit, it's about 2 minutes to the parking lot, and the first tee is 10 feet from where you park. You will likely have the course to yourself, and an experienced player could run through this course in 15 minutes. In many ways, I regret that it took me 14 years to finally play this little rest stop course. While the course itself is not exciting, the park itself is quite pretty, and despite its lack of challenge, this is definitely a course where the "fun" factor outpaces the overall quality of the course itself.

As for the layout, at least 5 or 6 of the holes feature enough trees to at least force you to shape some sort of interesting putter shot. With every hole between 150 and about 200 most experienced players could comfortably play this course with just a mid range and a putter. And honestly, I think that for a lot of intermediate-skill players, this course will help you develop some important putter shots. And this sort of relaxed warm-up feel plays well as mentioned previously, if you use Benson as a way to get ready to play one of the more challenging gorge courses.

As for amenities, I found navigation to be pretty easy. I think the pictures on the site of the holes are from before a re-design occurred, but the on-site map is accurate. I also liked that the hole distances, other than hole 1, seemed to be pretty on-point, a rarity for short pitch-and-putt courses in the area. If you are directionally challenged, it might be worth using the course map off the website here, or just taking a picture of the course map near hole one.

Cons:

Unfortunately, one of the big things that in my eye can really aid a shorty course like this one is at least having high-quality baskets. The baskets at Benson are very dated Discatchers that lack the nicer stacked chains of the newer models. The chains are also quite rusted, and visually, the baskets are just pretty beat-up. It's hard to really knock the natural/non-existent tee pads too much, and I would almost consider it as neither a "pro" or a "con" due to the fact that the holes are short enough to not need nicer pads, but ultimately, the course *would* benefit from small concrete tees. I would say the same about navigation, with the sign near hole one and the fact that the course does at least have small sign-posts near each tee, the navigation is pretty good, however, there were a few tees that took me a few minutes to find, especially on the back half where numerous baskets are visible on each hole.

The main thing that could improve this course would be some more challenging holes mixed in. Even a few holes in the 225-275 range would help quite a bit. For even moderately experienced players, this course won't really challenge your game.

Other Thoughts:

Overall, I was very glad I finally got out and tried Benson State Park, and I can see myself taking newer players here on a trip out to Rooster Rock, or just using it as a quick warm-up on a Gorge day trip. I think that this course is really close to being a 2/5 for me, better baskets, signage or just a bit tougher of baskets would bump this course up to a 2 very easily.
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5 0
Pierparknut
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 10.8 years 89 played 85 reviews
2.00 star(s)

15 Minute Disc Golf 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Jul 28, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

-This is a 9 hole pitch and putt course in small Benson State Park in the Columbia River Gorge. It's a nice little area, with mature trees and a small creek. This course doesn't appear to get a lot of use, so if you stop you'll likely have the entire place to yourself. You could easily make up some cool safari holes.
-You'll be in and out in 15-20 minutes. I bet you could go around at least 10 times in the time it takes to play Milo.
-Every hole is under 200 feet, but the holes are certainly not gimmes. There are plenty of trees, so you must throw accurate shots. I found myself only throwing putters on a couple of holes. I had to use mid-ranges and fairway drivers frequently to get the proper shot-shape. Leave the distance drivers in the car, but you will throw more than just your putters. Another reason I threw faster discs with more glide was because the trees have low-hanging branches forcing line-drive shots, hard to do with a putter. Many of the branches are dead which makes them hard to see. Watch out.
-There's a beautiful view of Wahkeena Falls on the 8th hole.
-The east end of the park is much more popular. There is a nice picnic area and access to Benson Lake. I ate a picnic lunch there and there were at least a dozen people swimming or kayaking in the water. There are nice restrooms on this side of the park, too.

Cons:

-This course is old, and harsh Gorge weather conditions over the years have deteriorated the Discatcher baskets, They are very rusty and discs tend to splash out.
-The teepads are simply a wooden board in the ground with some woodchips. During the summer they're fine, but heavy winter storms would make the teepads, and the rest of the course, a muddy mess.
-It's so short, it's not worth the drive just to come here. But couple it with a hike at nearby Multnomah Falls or more disc golf at Rooster Rock, and you have a fun day.
-The only access is heading eastbound on I-84. It is such a hassle to get to it westbound, it's not worth it.
-The highway is 50 feet away from the course. It is super noisy.

Other Thoughts:

-There is a sign and map of the course by the first tee. The map is mostly correct but the first tee is not to the right of the sign, but rather to the left past the log pile. The rest of the map is accurate.
-I think the course has been redesigned in the past few years. The pictures on file are incorrect.
-Overall, it was a fun little course but only worth it if you are in the area for some other reason. It costs $5 to get in, which isn't worth it by itself, so take advantage of the other amenities of the park. but most serious disc golfers in Oregon have a year state park pass, totally worth it. It's $30. If you travel to a state park 6 or more times during the year its paid for itself. Milo, Dabney, Rooster Rock, Benson, Champoeg, and Stub Stewart are just a few of the Oregon state parks that feature disc golf.
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1 0
JerichoBronco
Experience: 10 years 36 played 19 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Beginners only 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 12, 2016 Played the course:once

Pros:

They have baskets, pretty area, family friendly

Cons:

No signs, trouble finding "tee pads", right next to the freeway/noisy

Other Thoughts:

Pitch-n-Putt course: This course would be great for kids or brand new players, but if you are an int or better there is no reason to stop and play this course. It's just a putter to each hole, everything is short. It's hard to describe this course because it's pretty much a straight one hundred and something shot at each basket. Really nothing to it. I'd say to keep on driving by, Hood River is better than this if you are looking for a short pitch-n-putt course. But if you want to stretch your legs or get in a funish potty break then it could be a good fit for you.
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1 0
Skeeterdonk
Experience: 9.8 years 7 played 7 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Only if convenient 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 25, 2014 Played the course:once

Pros:

As a beginner, this course was easy to get pars on. I enjoyed this as it was nice to hit a tree off the tee box and still end up with a decent chance at par. I usually don't keep score but this course gave me the first birdie that I know of.

Every hole is a potential birdie for a beginner unless you hit a tree. There are just enough trees to present a challenge and make this interesting.

Quick play. Not a lot of people playing when we were there. This let us throw multiple discs and still finish in record time.

Close to Rooster Rock. If you play the west course at Rooster Rock I suggest you head here next. You already paid $5 there and the receipt is good for all parks that day. Why not hit this one too.

If there was ever a course that didn't need tee box maps, this is it. There is a map at #1 and the baskets are marked. We didn't need any other direction besides the map

Cons:

$5 entrance fee. Good course but if I am only going to play 9 holes I wont pay $5 for this one.

was sorta bored by #9. Even as a beginner I wanted more of a challenge here. They did great with what they had to work with but I will only return if I am passing by to play another course. The course was very short.

Congestion: In the summer I can see this being a difficult course. There are a lot of picninc/bbq areas along part of the course and I can see families playing around the tee boxes and baskets while you are playing

Other Thoughts:

Conditions: Partly sunny day with no wind and not really any people.

If you paid $5 to golf here I suggest you head to Rooster Rock and throw the west 9.
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3 0
timbott
Experience: 10.4 years 73 played 4 reviews
2.00 star(s)

good for family 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 13, 2014 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is good with younger players who are limited by throw length from really enjoying the game. My son can flick an accurate 150 ft, so he was really inspired to be shooting at birdies . Once he got tired out, I was able to set him on a bench in middle of the park and see him while I played out another three rounds.

Cons:

Very short. I would bang a tree right off the drive, and still find myself trying to make a long putt. It is also supposed to be a five dollar pay to park (I kept a close watch on my car and got away with a freebie).

Other Thoughts:

Probably also good for taking noobs, or hosting an ace race.
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3 0
hukdiscs
Experience: 23.8 years 18 played 4 reviews
3.00 star(s)

Fun little course 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Nov 7, 2012 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Easy to follow design
Not crowded
Scenic area
Good for mid range & ace shots
In the vicinity of other fun courses
Can be more challenging on gusty days

Cons:

Very short, fastest I played solo was under 10 minutes
No pads or tee signs
No trash cans

Other Thoughts:

Fun to play, worth a try if passing thru
Good for introducing beginners to the sport
When I finished the course in 8 minutes it was with one disc running from shot to shot, normal play time would probably be more like 20+ minutes for a group
It's fun enough and a good course for practice
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3 0
ohtobediscing
Silver level trusted reviewer
Experience: 44.5 years 401 played 41 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Boost Ego Now---Stop Once, Noobs 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Nov 10, 2011 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

Benson, which has seen encroachment improvements the last few years, is a pitch 'n' putt with noisy-but-nice winter views. This is another one of those good beginner courses that experienced players are likely to use only if they stop to stretch and pee---or if their self-worth has been wrecked lately by Blue Lake, Milo, etc. Makes for decent long-putt practice or ace shots. You might use a roller or skip on # 1. If the creek is up when you throw over #2 your disc could wash downstream if you boner your drive. Plenty of mature trees as obstacles, so shady and cool on a hot summer-driving day. In fact, when its leafed out, you lose the gorge views and almost wish for some breaks in the cover. Nicely mowed, and only a bit of rugged vegetation behind baskets 1, 3 and 5. Also a good place to stop for a lunch break, or some light fishing at the small adjoining lake. And Multnomah Falls is 3/4 mile away, so theoretically you could have the family drop you off, play 2 rounds and then walk the train tracks down to the falls...

Cons:

$5 fee or state park yearly pass, but its rarely crowded and only takes 20 min. to poach. I-84 is 50 yds away and always noisy. Major summer holiday-goers will render the course unplayable.

Other Thoughts:

As above, its OK if you needed to stop for a driving break anyways. Not really a discing destination: better to stop at Rooster Rock or Locks Approach, unless you've got newbs/children who want to have a successful round.
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7 0
sillybizz
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Premium Member
Experience: 22.1 years 400 played 385 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Rest Area Disc Golf 2+ years

Reviewed: Updated: Played on:Apr 8, 2010 Played the course:once

Pros:

Benson State Park is more like a rest area on the side of the road than a State Park, there is access to it only going east on I-84 and it's only a small parking lot, bathrooms, some benches and a very short disc golf course. This is the type of place you stop at while on a family vacation and everyone needs a rest from sitting in the car so you go have a picnic and play some disc golf. Aside from all of that you have wonderful scenery in the beautiful mountains in the background and the Multnomah Waterfalls.

The best holes on the course - Holes one, two and eight were pretty fun and almost worth the $5 to park and play. Hole one is a very low ceiling shot with lots of tree and bush obstacles to the longest basket on the course, right at about 300 feet, definitely the hardest hole on the course, very challenging. Hole two is a short (100 feet) tunnel shot over a running creek, this is a prime opportunity for an ace but if you hit one of the bushes on the left or the right you could end up in the creek. Hole eight is longer shot over the creek but going back the other way and is a hard line to hit and this hole is a difficult hole if you don't hit that line. You don't have to worry about losing a disc in this running creek as there is enough debris to block it and there are plenty of long sticks around to fish it out pretty easily.

Cons:

The biggest problem that I find with the course is the very short holes lengths that will make this place boring for just about anyone but people brand new to disc golf. The baskets are a bit of an eyesore with the chipping paint and rust, it would be nice to see some work to make them look good again, though there is nothing wrong with their ability to catch discs. It is a pain in the butt to try and get to if you're coming from westbound I-84 as there is no access.

Other Thoughts:

This is the perfect place for your first ace, while we were there, both of us hit basket and were really close to getting an ace. If you take the right attitude and a catch frisbee here you can make it fun.
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6 0
kinfolkfan
Experience: 18.7 years 96 played 18 reviews
1.50 star(s)

The first place my girlfriend beat me. 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Jun 28, 2009 Played the course:5+ times

Pros:

This course is in the middle of some of the greatest courses in the country. My girlfriend loved this course before she learned how to get the distance she gets today. There are nice baskets and beautiful scenery. It is a easy on and off the Interstate if you are headed east out of Portland. There are bath rooms.

Cons:

This course is very short. As the title of this review says my girlfriend beat me at this course, watch out guys your arm wont save you here. You really only need to bring your putter. In the rainy season it can be very muddy and the tees are dirt so don't bother unless you have your rubber boots. It cost 3 dollars to park unless you play fast wink wink. Paying 3 dollars is hard when you could go play one of many Portland area gems. And I mean short holes really short...

Other Thoughts:

So I gave this course a passable 1.5 because for as short as the holes are it is kinda fun. They change it up and you play across a running creek on some fun tight shots. It is one that is worth marking off your list if you are in the area and wanna kill a half an hour.
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8 1
Adam Schneider
Bronze level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22 years 126 played 22 reviews
1.50 star(s)

If you're in the neighborhood... 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Sep 1, 2008 Played the course:2-4 times

Pros:

- Nice setting (park/picnic area in the Gorge).
- A couple of fun shots.
- Right off the freeway, if you're headed east.

Cons:

- Most holes are very short, and some are ridiculously easy.
- Hard to follow (tees are marked with half-buried 2x4s).
- No access from I-84 westbound.

Other Thoughts:

Benson State Park is a day-use fee area; if you already have an Oregon State Parks sticker (or bought a day pass to play at Rooster Rock or Dabney), then you might want to check it out if you're passing through the area anyway. Otherwise I don't think it's worth the $3. Hole #1 is long enough that you're not going to easily birdie it, and there's a couple of other shots across the creek that are fun with a mid-range or putter. But a few of the others will leave you scratching your head, wondering, "why isn't the basket further away, or at least behind those trees?"
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1 15
kevin
Experience: 67 played 60 reviews
1.00 star(s)

Short rundown 2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:May 4, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

Along the way, east on 84.
Quick stop
Creek running through

Cons:

Small course.
Not well thought out.

Other Thoughts:

No exit from the west bound traffic.
Got lucky and saw the course from the multnomah road but, it was across the train tracks, don't get lost.
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10 3
gwillim
Gold level trusted reviewer
Experience: 22.8 years 169 played 41 reviews
1.00 star(s)

2+ years drive by

Reviewed: Played on:Apr 7, 2008 Played the course:never

Pros:

-Good place to bring first timers, co-workers, family, small children, etc.
-Close to Multnomah falls (one mile west)

Cons:

-For anyone with any amount of skill at all, this will be a very boring course.
-Natural tee pads are muddy, and difficult to find
-Baskets are pretty ugly, but still catch well enough
-Course is about 20 yards from Interstate 84.

Other Thoughts:

This course was pretty boring. Most of the holes are under 200' and pretty wide open. I can see how it would be a great course to introduce first timers to the sport, but that's really about it.
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13 0
The Valkyrie Kid
Diamond level trusted reviewer
Experience: 45.8 years 1563 played 1507 reviews
2.00 star(s)

Just A Fun Little Course On The Way To Dabney! 2+ years

Reviewed: Played on:Jul 21, 2003 Played the course:never

Pros:

It's just a fairly short, little course in a pretty little state park. The park is pretty and green set under tall evergreen trees. The course plays close to and around some picnic areas. You won't need your driver, just work on your approach and putting game. The course designers have done a nice job with the limited amount of space they have and have created some interesting and challenging holes (They're all still short). My favorite hole crossed a small creek through a narrow opening in the brush.

Cons:

No elevation, no holes to crank it up on. If you're looking for a championship course, this isn't it. If you want to play a fun round with your wife and kid, this might be the course for you.

Other Thoughts:

If you're driving through the beautiful Columbia Gorge, stop here and play a quick round. You can play in less than 45 minutes and be on your way. There are other courses in the area, make it a day.
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