Visitor FAQ’s

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

A: 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. Ask about the walking Tour Map available at all the sites as well as the visitor center.

Q: Where is the McLoughlin House?

A: 713 Center Street, Oregon City 97045, 503.656.5146 In 1941, the McLoughlin House was designated by congress as a National Historic Site (the first in the west). It was added to the National Park system in 2003 as a unit of Fort Vancouver Open Wednesday – Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm No Charge Make a left out of our parking lot go to 8th street and make a right turn. The house will be right in front of you.

Q: What is that tower in Oregon City?

A: The Municipal Elevator Operates as one of the only four Municipal Elevators in the world. Open Monday – Saturday 6:45am to 7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am to 4:00pm Closed most holidays

Q: Do you have a quaint downtown?

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

LODGING:

Q: Is there tent camping close by?

A: Three parks have campgrounds to accommodate tents and RVs. Beautiful campgrounds with water & electric sites, hot showers, playgrounds, fishing and hiking trails. 200 camping/RV sites including Barton Park (Boring), Feyrer Park (Molalla), and Metzler park (Estacada); some ADA accessible; water/electric; near rivers or creeks; playgrounds, pet friendly. 503.742.4414

Q: We are looking for lodging in town?

A: Best Western Plus Rivershore is the only hotel in Oregon City. Rooms have river views Phone: 503.655.7141 Address: 1900 Clackamas Drive, Oregon City, Or 97045-1052 There are a number of hotels at exit 13 and 14 going north

Q: We are looking for a Bed and Breakfast to stay in?

A: Clackamas River House is the closest B & B to Oregon City 17850 South Clackamas River Drive, Oregon City Oregon 97045 P: 503.502.8478 we have a number of B & B’s in Clackamas County. If you check the website www.MtHoodTerritory.com it will list all of them

DINING:

Q: Where do the locals eat?

A: We have a number of good restaurants in town. Here are just a few.

  • Highland Still House is known for their selection of single malt scotch and great Scottish food. 201 South 2nd Street, Oregon city 97045 P: 503.723.6789 Open Tuesday – Saturday 11am to midnight Sunday 11am to 10pm Closed Monday
  • The Verdict Bar and Grill has a wide variety of food from sandwiches & soup, appetizers, salad, steak, seafood and pub fare and more it is fresh and quickly prepared. 110 8th Street, Oregon City 97045 P: 503.305.8429 Open Mon – Thurs. 11:30am to 10pm Friday 11:30 to 11:00, Saturday 12:00pm to 11:00pm, Sunday 12:00pm to 9pm
  • Mi Famiglia has great Italian food including fresh brick oven pizza! www.mi-famiglia.com 503.594.0601 701 Main Street, Oregon City 97045 Monday – Thursday:  11:00AM – 9:00PM Friday:  11:00AM – 10:00PM Saturday: 12:00PM – 10:00PM Sunday:  12:00PM – 9:00PM

SHOPPING:

Q: Do you have a farmers market?

A: Yes, Oregon City Farmers Market 503.734.0192 Downtown winter market, 8th street at Main, Oregon City  Bi – Weekly Saturday summer market, 2051 Kaen Road off Beavercreek Road, weekly 9:00 am to 2pm May through October Debit cards and OR. Trail cards are accepted

Q: I am looking for Bench Made Knives?

A: Benchmade Knives 300 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City, Oregon 97045 Open 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday 1.800.800.7427

Q: We want to antique shop, where do we go?

Q: Where is the shopping mall?

  • Woodburn Company Stores 1001 Arney Road, Woodburn, Oregon 97071 I5 North Exit 271; estimated driving time from the End of the Oregon Trail is 35 minutes; 1.888.664.SHOP Open Monday – Saturday 10am to 8pm Open Sunday 10am to 7pm
  • Clackamas Town Center 12000 SE 82nd. Ave. Happy Valley, Oregon 97086 I205 South Exit 14; estimated driving time from the End of the Oregon Trail is 10 minutes;  503.653.6913 Open Monday – Saturday 10am to 9pm Open Sunday 11am to 6pm.

MUSEUMS:

Q: Where is Fort Vancouver?

A: Located on the north side of the Columbia River in Vancouver, Washington. 750 Anderson Street, Vancouver, Wash. Open Monday – Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm, Sunday. Visitor Center is open 10:00am to 4:00pm and the reconstructed fort is open 12:00pm to 4:00 pm

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

Q: How do I get to the Spruce Goose?

A: Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, Oregon 97128 P: 503.434.4006 Open 9am to 5pm everyday

MT. HOOD:

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

A: Mt. Hood is located approximately 50 miles east-southeast of Portland, via Interstate 84 East.

Q: Where is Timberline Lodge?

A: Timberline West Government Camp, OR 97028 P: 503.272.3311

Q: We want to do the loop around Mt. Hood, how long does it take?

A: The round trip is 146 miles and takes approximately 3 hours 20 minutes

THE GORGE:

Q: Where is Multnomah Falls?

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

Q: Where is the Gorge?

A: The Columbia River Gorge stretches from Troutdale, Oregon on the western end, just 16 miles east of Portland, Oregon following the Columbia River to Biggs, Oregon and on the northern shore from Vancouver, Washington to Maryhill, Washington. The Gorge is easily accessible driving on Interstate-84 on the Oregon side of the river or Highway State Route 14 on the Washington side. The National Scenic Area of the Columbia River Gorge is 80 miles long in its entirety. Another highway to access the Gorge is the Historic Columbia River Highway which parallels I-84 from Troutdale east to Dodson, Oregon and provides a breathtaking view of cascading waterfalls, hillsides of wildflowers and scenic overlooks of the river.

Q: Where is wine country from here?

A: There are several wineries operating through the Columbia River Gorge. For more information regarding tours and winetasting, contact the Columbia Gorge Winegrowers 515 East 2nd Street The Dalles, OR  97058 P: 1-866-413-9463 www.columbiagorgewine.com

THE COAST:

Q: How do we get to the coast?

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

Q: Where is the Tillamook Cheese Factory?

A: 4175 Hwy 101 North, Tillamook, Oregon 97141 P: 1.800542.7290 www.tillamook.com Open everyday Labor Day to mid-June 8am to 6pm www. Cannonbeach.org

OREGON TRAIL:

Q: Are there any pioneer cemeteries around town?

A: Yes, here are a few

  • Mountain View Cemetery 500 Hilda Street, Oregon City, Oregon  97045 P: 503.657.8299 Open Monday – Friday 8:30 to 3:30 Gates open dawn to dusk
  • St. John the Apostle Cemetery 451 Warner Street, Oregon City, Oregon 97045 P: 503.655.7148
  • Straight Pioneer Cemetery Park Place, I205 exit 10 make a left onto Clackamas River Drive Follow signs

Q: Are there ruts around?

A: 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?

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

Q: Why did the pioneers come here?

A: 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: Where are Laurel Hill, and the Barlow Road?

A: 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 45 and 46 (west of Government Camp). A replica of the original gate stands between two maple trees planted by Daniel Parker, gatekeeper from 1883-1902.

PETS:

Q: Do you have a dog park?

A: Oregon City Parks does allow dogs on a leash. Please clean up after your dog. There is a Dog Park at North Clackamas Park, 5440 SE Kellog Creek Drive, Milwaukie Oregon Open ½ hour after sunrise, and ½ hour before sunset.

Q: Is there Pet Friendly lodging?

A: Yes

  • Howard Johnsons 12855 SE 97th Ave. Clackamas, Oregon 97015 I205 exit 14 503.496.1000
  • Comfort Suites 15929 SE McKinley Ave. Clackamas, Oregon 97015 P: 503.723.3450

Q: Looking for a park with play equipment?

A: Oregon City Parks has a number of areas with play equipment we also have a spray park at Rivercrest Park as well as equipment. Some of the other parks are; Atkinson, Barclay, Canemah Children’s Park, Hartke, Hazelwood, Hillendale Richards Bloom Tot’s Park, and Wesley Lynn Park

CASINOS:

Q: Are there casinos?

  • Spirit Mountain Casino – Willamina 27100 Southwest Salmon River Highway Grand Ronde, OR   97396 (800) 760-7977 Spirit Mountain Casino.Com
  • Portland Meadows 1001 North Schmeer Road Portland, OR  97217 (503) 285-9144 www.portlandmeadows.com
  • Multnomah Greyhound Park 944 Northeast 223rd Avenue Wood Village, OR  97070 (503) 667-7700 www.multnomahgreyhoundpark.com

WEDDINGS:

Q: Are there wedding venues?

A: Yes, these are some that are used quite often.

  • Abernethy Center Oregon’s all seasons ceremony, reception and event center. Indoor and outdoor venues. All amenities for a beautiful wedding experience or special event. 606 15th St. Oregon City. 503-722-9400
  • Ainsworth House and Gardens 19130 Lot Whitcomb Drive Oregon City, Oregon City 503-656-1894
  • Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom 3 ballrooms (1500, 2800, 4020 sq ft) Capacity is 490 people. All rentals come with tables, chairs, AV and more. House caterer is Portland Catering Company. Pacific Crest Grand Ballroom is dedicated to creating an atmosphere of elegance and beauty, while also maintaining a sense of welcoming hospitality. We want your dreams to come true for your special day. 610 McLoughlin Blvd. Oregon City 503-722-9922

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES:

Q: Are there good places to hike?

  • John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center has a 5 acre site shared space with wildlife habitat and environmental education. The grounds have 250 different species of native and ornamental plants. The pond has fish , ducks and turtles. It is about a 2 mile hike.
  • Clackamas River Trail is approximately a 1 mile trail, it runs through Clackamas Cove area from Main Street extension to Washington Street which connects to the footbridge to Gladstone.

We have a number of parks with walking paths; Chapin, Clackamette, Hillendale, McLoughlin Promenade, Old Canemah Park Place, Singer Creek, and Waterboard Parks. For more information on these parks pick up the Oregon City Tail News at the Welcome Center Located at the End of the Oregon Trail.

Q: Is there a place to rent fishing gear?

A: Indian Springs Trout Farm Open year round daily 8am to 6pm. Tackle, bait, cleaning and ice provided. Wheelchair accessible. 17951 South Springwater Road 503.631.2318

Q: Can I rent the picnic shelter?

A: Oregon City parks office takes reservations for shelter use up to one year in advance. You may call the park office Monday – Friday 8:30 am to 3:30pm or send an email to jdvie@orcity.org

Q: Can we take a cruise on the river?

A: Yes, here are where you can get tickets

  • Willamette Jetboat Excursions 1945 SE Water Avenue Portland, OR 97214-3354 Local: 503-231-1532
    Toll-free 1-888-538-2628 info@willamettejet.com
  • Portland Spirit Cruises 110 SE Caruthers Street Portland, OR 97214-4513 (503) 928-3395              (888) 459-4594 toll free www.portlandspirit.com

Q: We want to play in the snow, where do we go?

A: Check online at www.mthhoodterritory.com

OTHER:

Q: Is there a dump station close by?

A: Clackamette Park 1955 Clackamette Drive, Oregon City, Oregon 97013 $5.00 fee

Q: We need to get our RV worked on, where do we go?

A: Here are a couple.

  • Camping World 26875 SW Boones Ferry Road, Wilsonville, Oregon 97070 P: 1.800.446.9039     Open Monday – Saturday 8am. To 5pm.
  • Curtis Trailer 10177 SE Powell, Portland, Oregon 97266 P: 1.800.345.1363 Open Monday – Friday 8am to 6pm. Open Saturday 8am to 4pm. Closed Sunday

Q: Where is a laundry Mat?

A: Top Notch 24 hour Laundry 780 Portland Ave., Gladstone, Oregon 97027 P: 503.657.4396

Q: Can we talk on our cell phones while we drive?

A: Oregon has outlawed use of handheld cell phones by all drivers. Cell phones with hands- free attachments are allowable only for those over 18 years of age. Text messaging banned for all drivers. Fine: $142 plus costs.

Q: How far to the airport?

A: 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: Can we park overnight on the highways?

A: No.

Q: Can we park at Walmart?

A: No.

Q: What is your bus system like?

A: High quality transit service that gets you where you need to go. Closest transit station is the Oregon City Transit Center, 0.7 miles away. Check TriMet for routes and schedules.

Q: We need to take a shower, where do we go?

A: Jubitz Truck Stop 10210 North Vancouver Way, Portland, Oregon 97217 $10.00 includes towel $15.00 Jacuzzi
Oregon City Pool 1211 Jackson Street Oregon City (503) 657-8273