Willamette Mission State Park

The 1,680-acre park stretches along the Willamette River, featuring woodland areas, wetlands, rolling meadows, and agricultural fields near Salem.

Reverend Jason Lee established the first Methodist mission on the west coast in 1834, constructing a log house for religious services and education.

The park includes a ghost structure marking the original mission site, which served as a religious center and educational facility for Native Americans.

Visitors can explore eight miles of hiking trails, use three equipped picnic shelters, and participate in activities like horseback riding and disc golf.

The park contains what experts consider the largest black cottonwood tree in the United States, measuring 155 feet tall with a 28-foot circumference.

Location: Marion County

Inception: October 6, 1834

Website: https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=99

GPS coordinates: 45.07540,-123.05000

Latest update: March 4, 2025 14:26