Willamette Mission State Park

Willamette Mission State Park is a 1,680-acre reserve along the Willamette River that includes forests, wetlands, open meadows, and fields used for farming. The landscape transitions naturally between different habitats across the property.

Reverend Jason Lee founded the first Methodist mission on the West Coast here in 1834 and built structures for religious services and schooling. The site became an important early institution in the region's development.

The mission that once stood here served as a gathering place and school for local Native American communities during the 19th century. Its presence shaped how people in the region lived and learned during that era.

The park offers about 8 miles of hiking trails through various habitats and has picnic areas and space for horseback riding. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be ready for changing ground conditions.

The property contains one of the largest black cottonwood trees in North America, standing about 155 feet tall. Seeing this massive tree gives many visitors a sense of the age and scale of nature at this location.

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: December 10, 2025 16:28