Willamette Mission State Park

Willamette Mission State Park is a large piece of land located alongside the Willamette River north of Salem. The parks 1,300 acres of mostly flat terrain include woodland, wetland, rolling meadows and working farmland. The park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is named after the historic Willamette Mission, established in 1834. Unfortunately the mission was washed away by a flood in 1861.

Willamette Mission State Park offers lots of open space for recreation. There are almost 15 miles of trail to explore including natural surface trails for hiking, paved trails great for biking, and trails open to equestrian use. One of the park’s highlights that can be seen from the trail is the nation’s largest Black Cottonwood. This massive tree is 270 years old and stands over 155 feet tall.

Those looking to get on the water can use the boat launch on Mission Lake, or the ramp on the Willamette near the Wheatland Ferry. There are also plentiful areas to bank fish in the park.

Willamette Mission offers plentiful picnic options. There are 3 reservable picnic shelters that can host up to 150 people with tables, kitchen area, water and electricity. Beside each shelter is a large open area with plenty of space to spread out as well as horseshoe pits and a volleyball net. An 18 hole disc golf course is also located within the park.

Lastly, a few options exist for those looking to camp at Willamette Mission. A hiker/biker camp is available on a first come/first served basis. A horse camp is available that offers 4 sites complete with stalls, fire ring and picnic tables. There is also a large group campsite with space for up to 100 tent campers. Unfortunately there are no regular individual campsites available.

For more information or to make reservations for camping or picnic shelters click here.