French Prairie

French Prairie is a region in Marion County, Oregon, spanning fertile farmland with natural boundaries formed by major rivers. The Willamette River marks the northern and western edges while the Pudding River forms the eastern boundary.

French-Canadian settlers arrived in the 1820s through 1840s and gave the region its name. This early settlement became a foundation for further American expansion in this part of Oregon.

The name comes from French-Canadian families who settled here and shaped the early communities. You can see this heritage reflected in the small towns scattered across the area and in buildings that survive from those pioneer days.

The region is easy to explore using hiking and biking trails that link several small towns including Butteville, Champoeg, St. Paul, St. Louis, and Gervais. These trails give you a direct way to see the settlements and surrounding landscape.

This region hosted a pivotal moment in Oregon history when settlers gathered at Champoeg in 1843 to vote on forming a provisional government. This meeting is often overlooked by visitors but marked a crucial step toward Oregon becoming a state.

Location: Marion County

GPS coordinates: 45.18470,-122.95900

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00