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WILLAMETTE MISSION STATE PARK

Willamette Mission is one of the most significant and beautiful historic sites in the Willamette Valley. The park occupies land where the first mission for American Indians was founded in 1834 by the Reverend Jason Lee. Members of the Methodist Mission were later active in the formation of Oregon government. A monument is located in the park providing information on this settlement. The original mission buildings are represented by framed outlines called ghost structures. A landing for the Wheatland Ferry -- the first to carry the covered wagon across the Willamette River in 1844 -- is in the park.

The park offers many daytime opportunities for boaters, anglers and other users. Some of Willamette Mission's 1,680 acres hold filbert and walnut orchards. The nation's largest black cottonwood is in the park (it's older than the U.S. -- it's been around for over 250 years). There are grassy meadows surrounded by an array of flowers, plants, and trees. For those that enjoy water, there's Mission Lake and the Willamette River.

Willamette Mission State Park is perfect for your next picnic! The excellent picnic facilities are reservable for large groups. There are picnic shelters, electricity, restrooms, water faucets, picnic tables, fire rings, sunny areas and trees for shade, plus ample room for parking. You can even rent a large, 4' x 3' charcoal briquet barbecue at the park.

The park also has areas set aside for volleyball, horse shoes, softball and soccer. Eight miles of trails run along the Willamette River, with an incredible amount of native birds, plants and wildlife [there's even a self-guided interpretive trail through our riparian education project].

The park staff love a challenge! Plan on Willamette Mission as a part of your corporate picnic or other group activity.

Download PDF of brochure and map (441k; park brochure and map; requires Acrobat)

Vital stats
Note: Please watch for seasonal flooding. Call (503) 393-1172 for details.

The horse camp facilities include 4 sites (two pull-through). Sites can accommodate up to two camping units and four pack animals The horse camp is open May-Oct. 1 and sites are available by reservation only. Reserve by calling 1-800-452-5687.

$3 daily day-use fee or buy a 12-month permit for $25, or a 24-month permit for $40. These 1- and 2-year permits are good at all state park day-use areas. Charcoal barbecue (4' x 3') is $25 per day.
Call (503) 393-1172 or (800) 551-6949 for information.

Park rates (subject to rate changes; winter, emergency or other closures)
May 1 to September 30
Horse camp: $14
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25
Group (tent): $61, and $2.42 per person after the first 25.
      October 1 to April 30 (Discovery Season)
Daily day use: $3
Yearly day use: $25

Services

Reservable group tent Horse camp Group shelter
Picnicking Reservable picnicking Wildlife watching
Bird watching Native plant Boating
Boat ramp Fishing Horse trail
Walking trail Hiking trail Bicycle trail
Special events Historic programs Celebrations
Forest Prairie Wetland
Historic resources Historic sites Interpretation
Interpretive signs ADA restroom ADA trails
Year-round Restrooms   


Events at this Park
Willamette Mission Civil War Battle Reenactment
Willamette Mission Let's Go Camping

Related Links
City of Salem
Weather forecast
Salem Homeplace
Fishing & Wildlife Viewing
ODFW Visitors' Guide

Nearby Parks and Other Attractions
Champoeg campground
Maud Williamson
Holman
Erratic Rock
Bald Peak

         


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Relative Location

Wheatland Rd., 8 mi. N of Salem, or take I-5 Exit 263 and follow the signs


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These driving directions are provided as a general guide only. No representation is made or warranty given as to their content, road conditions or route usability or expeditiousness. User assumes all risk of use. For your safety, please consult the official Oregon highway map and check road conditions at Tripcheck before leaving on your trip.


Lat.: 45.079727 N
Long.: -123.030663 W

 

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