What is Oregon State Hospital like?
Set in Salem, Oregon State Hospital has been on the PDGA course list since 1998. It plays 9 holes, par 27, across 2,844 ft — an average of about 316 feet a hole. That is a comfortable middle distance where fairway drivers do most of the work.
The terrain is wooded/hilly — wooded fairways with real elevation change, which puts the emphasis on shot shaping in three dimensions. Elevation compounds every mistake: an uphill approach plays longer than the sign says, and a downhill tee shot carries much further than expected.
ThrowSpot rates the course forgiving overall, making it a good first course or a relaxed round. Shorter holes and open landing zones mean errant throws are usually recoverable, which is exactly what a newer player needs. Most groups finish in about 45 minutes, though a busy weekend morning can add half an hour of waiting on the tee.
What discs should you bring to Oregon State Hospital?
For a course like this, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers the majority of shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.
If you are not sure what matches your arm speed, the disc selector converts your throwing distance into a speed ceiling and specific mold recommendations. It is also worth reading the wind calculator before you play on a breezy day.
Cost and access
Oregon State Hospital charges $5 to play. Pay-to-play courses are the minority in disc golf, and the fee usually reflects better maintenance, dedicated staff, or private land. Check the course signage or the local club for how payment is collected. Most park courses are open dawn to dusk; hours can change seasonally, so it is worth checking locally before a very early or late round.
Amenities at Oregon State Hospital
Amenity information comes from PDGA course records and may not reflect recent changes. If something here is out of date, the local club is usually the fastest way to confirm.
Other disc golf courses near Oregon State Hospital
More disc golf in Salem
Salem has 5 PDGA-listed courses. Others worth a round:
| Course | Holes | Difficulty | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cascades Gateway | 18 | Intermediate | $3 |
| Wheatland DGC at Willamette Mission State Park | 18 | Beginner | Free |
| Woodmansee Park | 18 | Intermediate | $3 |
| Corban University | 9 | Beginner | Free |
Frequently asked questions
How many holes is Oregon State Hospital?
Oregon State Hospital has 9 holes with a total par of 27. The course measures 2,844 ft, averaging about 316 feet per hole.
Is Oregon State Hospital free to play?
No. Oregon State Hospital charges $5 to play. Check course signage or the local club for how the fee is collected.
Is Oregon State Hospital good for beginners?
Yes. It is rated beginner difficulty, with wooded fairways with real elevation change and forgiving landing zones, which makes it a reasonable first course.
How long does it take to play Oregon State Hospital?
About 45 minutes for a typical group on 9 holes. Solo players move faster; busy weekend mornings can add 20 to 30 minutes of waiting.
Where is Oregon State Hospital located?
Oregon State Hospital is in Salem, Oregon, at coordinates 44.93818, -123.00379. Directions are linked on this page.
What discs should I bring to Oregon State Hospital?
For this layout, a putter, two mid-ranges, and a couple of fairway drivers covers most shots. The variety rewards a balanced bag over a specialist one. You will use almost everything you carry.