A Day near The Willamette River

Oregon

March 2019

From Iron Works to Quiet Trails

We began our day with hiking at George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego. We learned the park used to be home to the Willamette Iron Works, one of Oregon’s earliest industrial sites from the 19th century. Iron production played a big role in shaping communities along the Willamette River.

The busy industrial days are long gone. We enjoyed peaceful paths and river views as nature has reclaimed Oregon’s industrial past. Just past Hog Island, which got its name from early settlers who kept “hogs” there to roam freely without fences, we returned to the park. Hog Island, undeveloped and uninhabited, is a reminder of how settlers once used the river landscape.

The Green Legacy of Mary S. Young

After learning about the park’s origins and Pacific Northwest charm, we decided to visit and walk a portion of its five miles of winding forest trails. The park felt surprisingly wild, “in the middle of nowhere,” including steep ascents and descents. The views of the river, both up close and from above, were a unique surprise. The park is truly a hidden gem in the midst of suburban West Linn.

After learning about the park’s generous origins and Pacific Northwest charm, we walked a portion of its five miles of winding forest trails. Even though the park is tucked away in suburban West Linn, it felt surprisingly wild with its steep ascents and descents. The view near the river was mesmerizing as well.

Just above West Linn, Camassia Natural Area

We also visited the Camassia Natural Area, which was described as a must-visit for its unique landscape and history. The plateau above West Linn was carved by the prehistoric Missoula Floods, exposing rugged rock and unique potholes.

We had a quiet break by the mirrored pools, where the green ferns and mossy basalt made a beautiful contrast to the silvery oaks. Sadly, we were too early in the season to enjoy the Common Camas lilies that give the area its name, but the short walk was still worth the trip.

Also, Just Above West Linn, Wilderness Park

Our last hike was in Wilderness Park, a 51-acre preserve that lives up to its name with its dense Douglas-fir canopy and rugged terrain. Although we were in the suburbs, we had a deep-woods experience and a great workout on the winding trails. Locals often refer to the park as the “Woodchip Park” because of the thick mulch used to maintain the paths. Between the towering pines and the lush ferns, it was easy to forget how close we were to civilization.

The Wild Next Door

The common thread of today’s hikes was not only the Willamette River, but also the feeling of hiking in the wilderness while being in the suburbs. It was so exciting to find these “wilderness” spots right in our backyard.