Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site

Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site is a recreation area along the Luckiamute River featuring a mix of Douglas fir, grand fir, maple, ash, and cottonwood trees spread across the grounds. The property includes designated spaces for gathering and picnicking with year-round access to amenities and facilities.

This recreation site was established in 1922 when Sarah Helmick and her son James donated land to create it, marking the start of Oregon's state park system. This early creation made it the first in a new era of protected spaces for the state.

This place reflects the settling story of the Helmick family, who claimed and developed the land during the mid-1800s. Walking through the grounds, visitors can sense the connection to those early pioneering days.

The site has two large picnic areas, each able to hold up to 150 people, with electricity, water, tables, and restrooms available year-round. Plan to visit during daylight hours and dress for changeable weather typical of this region.

A section of the grounds once served as an artillery range for Camp Adair during World War II, giving it a military history that most visitors overlook. This lesser-known past reveals how the land transformed from combat training to recreational peace.

Location: Polk County

Official opening: 1922

Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=98

GPS coordinates: 44.78180,-123.23800

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:53