Visitor FAQ’s

ABOUT OUR SITE

Q: Are you part of NPS? Are national park passes like America the Beautiful valid here?

  • No, we are not a national park, and do not accept NPS passes. However, we are a Historic Site, City park, and The Official Terminus of The National Park Service’s Historic Oregon Trail. We *DO* have an official NPS passport stamp. Visit to learn more about this unique arrangement!

Q: What is your pet policy?

  • Oregon City Parks and Recreation allow dogs on a leash. Please clean up after your dog. Only registered service animals are allowed in the buildings.

Q: Can I rent the picnic shelter?

  • Oregon City parks office takes reservations for shelter use up to one year in advance. You may call the park office Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm at 971-204-4602.

Q: Do you have RV/bus parking, and can we park overnight?

  • Yes, we have several spots for buses and RVs that are free to park. While you can park overnight, we do not recommend it since there is no security. Please note the grounds beyond the parking lot follow City Park rules and are CLOSED Dusk to Dawn.

ABOUT OREGON CITY

Q: Why did the pioneers come here to Oregon City?

  • Oregon City has been named the official end of the Oregon Trail because this is where the first Federal land office west of the Rocky Mountains was located.  This meant that anyone wishing to claim land anywhere in what is now Oregon, Washington, Idaho, western Montana and western Wyoming would need to come to Oregon City to make that land claim legal.

Q: How far is Willamette Falls from our site?

  • The Falls are a 6-minute drive from our site. To get there, take a left out of our parking lot and turn right onto 14th Street. On McLoughlin Blvd., take a left and follow it until you reach a pull out off the right side of the highway, just past the tunnel.

Q: How do I get into the historic part of Oregon City?

  • Make a left out of our parking lot and head up the hill, going south. This will put you into the Historic part of Oregon City.

Q: Where is the McLoughlin House?

  • Address: 713 Center Street, Oregon City, OR 97045. Make a left out of our parking lot go to 8th street and make a right turn. The house will be directly in front of you. Phone: 503-656-5146. Open Wednesday – Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm. No Charge.

For more information, click here.

Q: What is that tower in Oregon City?

  • The Municipal Elevator was originally built in the 19th century for easier transportation between the lower and upper levels of Oregon City. Now, it is a captivating experience with both a large history and breathtaking views. Address: 6 Railroad Ave, Oregon City, OR 97045. Make a left out of our parking lot to 14th Street, then turn left onto McLoughlin Blvd. Follow it until you turn left onto Railroad Avenue. The elevator will be on your right. Phone: 503-496-1197. Open Monday – Tuesday 7:00am to 7:00pm, Wednesday – Saturday 7:00am to 9:30pm & Sunday 10:00am to 7:00pm. Closed most holidays.

Q: Do you have a quaint downtown?

  • Yes, Downtown is open for business. We have great dining and shopping as well as a number of downtown services.

Q: Are there RV camping spots close by?

  • Yes, there is one close by called Clackamette RV Park. 1955 Clackamette Dr, Oregon City, OR 97045. Call Parks Office at 971-204-4602 if you have any questions. Click the link for more information.

Q: We are looking for lodging in town?

  • Best Western Plus Rivershore is currently the only hotel in Oregon City. Nestled on the Willamette River, the rooms have river views to take in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Phone: 503-655-7141 Address: 1900 Clackamas Drive, Oregon City, OR 97045.

There are a number of hotels at exits 13 and 14 going north on the I-205.

  • Pet friendly lodging options: Howard Johnsons 12855 SE 97th Ave. Clackamas, Oregon 97015 Phone: 503-496-1000 & Comfort Suites 15929 SE McKinley Ave. Clackamas, Oregon 97015 Phone: 503-723-3450

Q: Where do the locals eat?

  • We have a number of dining restaurants in town. Click this link for a staff recommended list of dining options in the area and click here for a list of café’s and coffee shops.

Q: Do you have a farmers’ market?

  • Yes, Oregon City Farmers Market  is a year-round market that showcases local goods. Address: Clackamas Community College at the Green Lots #1 located on Clairmont Drive between S Beavercreek Road and N Douglas Loop. (right next to the Horticulture Dept). Phone: 503-734-0192. During winter, it runs every other Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm. In the summer, it is every Saturday from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Q: Are there any places to shop nearby?

  • Yes! We have many options for you. Here is a list of small businesses and shopping centers around or near Oregon City.

Q: What is the Museum of the Oregon Territory & where is it?

  • Museum of the Oregon Territory, also known as MOOT, is a small museum overlooking Willamette Falls that discusses Oregon’s history near Oregon City. 211 Tumwater Dr, Oregon City, OR 97045. To get there, take a left out of our parking lot, turn right on 14th street and then left on McLoughlin Blvd., turn on 2nd Street, and then turn left on Tumwater. Click here for more information.

Q: Are there wedding venues?

  • Abernethy Center Indoor and outdoor venues. All amenities for a beautiful wedding experience or special event. 606 15th St. Oregon City 97045. Phone: 503-722-9400
  • Ainsworth House and Gardens Indoor and outdoor venues available. 19130 Lot Whitcomb Drive Oregon City, Oregon City 97045. Phone: 503-656-1894
  • Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom Capacity has 490 people. All rentals come with tables, chairs, AV and more. House caterer is Portland Catering Company. 610 McLoughlin Blvd. Oregon City 97045. Phone: 503-722-9922
  • The Arc Light at the Hive Social. Capacity of 200 people. 604 7th Street Oregon City, OR 97045. Phone: 503-908-8750
  • Or Host your special day on our grounds! (A *minimum* of four months advance notice is required. Learn more about our rental packages)

Q: Are there good places to hike?

  • There are many great places to hike. Check out Oregon Hikers’ website for a map of all the trails.

Q: Is there an RV dump station close by?

Q: How far is it to the airport?

  • Approximately ½ hour drive. From Oregon City take I-205 North. Take Airport Way West exit off I-205. Follow Airport Way to PDX terminal

Q: Where is the public transit center?

  • The closest transit station is the Oregon City Transit Center about 0.7 miles away. Check TriMet for routes and schedules.

Q: Where is the nearest train station?

  • Right across the street from our parking lot.

ABOUT THE OREGON TRAIL

Q: Are there any other museums about the Oregon Trail?

Q: Are there any pioneer cemeteries around town?

  • Mountain View Cemetery 500 Hilda Street, Oregon City, Oregon  97045 Phone: 971-204-4603. Office open Monday – Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm and gate open from dawn to dusk.
  • St. John the Apostle Cemetery 451 Warner Street, Oregon City, Oregon 97045 Phone: 503-655-7148
  • Straight Pioneer Cemetery Park Place 13014 Clackamas River Dr, Oregon City, OR 97045

Q: Are there wagon ruts around?

  • Due to the frequently wet weather in this area, pioneer ruts have not survived.  Drier areas of the state do however make Oregon Trail ruts visible.  The nearest location to view ruts is near Pioneer Woman’s Grave on Highway 26.

Q: We want to look up a land claim, where do we go?

  • Clackamas County Historical Society has a research library where you can access land claim information as well as pioneer family histories. Open Wednesdays and the first and third Saturdays of each month from 11 am to 4 pm. Phone: 503-655-5574

Q: Where are Laurel Hill and the Barlow Road?

  • Laurel Hill Chute is located on Highway 26 between mile markers 50 and 51 (west of Government Camp with access for eastbound traffic only). Visitors can walk a short trail to view the drop the pioneers faced – imagine lowering your belongings down these slopes.
  • Barlow Road Tollgate is located off Highway 26 between mile markers 44 and 45 (west of Government Camp). A replica of the original gate stands between two maple trees planted by Daniel Parker, gatekeeper from 1883-1902.

ABOUT OREGON

Q: How far is it to Mt. Hood from Oregon City?

  • Mt. Hood is located approximately 50 miles east or about an hour’s drive.

Q: Where is Timberline Lodge?

  • Timberline West Government Camp, OR 97028. Phone: 503-272-3311
  • For more information, click here.

Q: Where is Multnomah Falls?

  • 611-foot-tall Multnomah Falls is located east of Portland in Cascade Locks, and can be reached via Exit 31 on I- 84 or Exit 17 on Highway 30.

For more information about the Falls click here.

Q: Where do I get permits to see Multnomah Falls?

  • Because space is limited, timed reservations are required during the summer. Click here for tickets and more information.

Q: Do you have any recommended wineries in the area?

  • Oregon is a world-renowned wine region. There are many options to choose from in the area and all-around Oregon. Click here for the recommendations.

Q: How do I get to the Gorge?

  • Travel onto the North I-205 and take the I-84 East past Troutdale.

Q: Is there anywhere on the coast you recommend?

  • Anywhere on the coast is worth going to at least once. Some of the more popular places include Newport, Cannon Beach, Seaside, Tillamook, Lincoln City, and Astoria.

Q: How do we get to the coast?

  • From Oregon City I- 205 South to I-5 North, take exit 292A to Hwy 217 and then follow the signs for the coast from there.

Q: Where is Fort Vancouver?

  • Located on the north side of the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. 750 Anderson Street, Vancouver, Washington. Open Tuesday – Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm & Sunday-Monday Closed. Click here for more information.