CHAMPOEG STATE HERITAGE AREA
Situated on the south bank of the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg's acres of forest, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era. Tour the park's visitor center, Newell House, and Pioneer Mothers Log Cabin museums to discover pioneer life at Champoeg. Take a guided walk to learn what happened to the bustling pioneer town of Champoeg, and how the Donald Manson Barn was built (download the park's day recreation brochure - 1.3 MB); requires Acrobat). An 1860s-style garden lies next to the visitor center.
The park also includes the Butteville General Store, which was founded by French Canadian Francis Xavier Matthieu, who played an important role in establishing the Provisional Government of Oregon at the historic Champoeg meeting of May 2, 1843. The Butteville General Store sells Italian sodas and lemonade, and rents bikes. Call (503) 678-1605 for information.
The area's history dates back to 1805 when it served as an important trading and meeting place for French Canadian trappers.
In the mid-nineteenth century, American pioneers began settling here due to its fertile soil and proximity to waterways. On May 2nd, 1843 at what is now called 'the birthplace of Oregon', settlers held a historic vote that led towards establishing provisional government laws under United States jurisdiction over British rule; essentially paving way for creation of present-day State Of Oregon.
However, disaster struck on December 2nd ,1861 when Willamette River flooded wiping out entire settlement leaving only Newell House & Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin standing today which are part of museum complex showcasing life during those times.
The location became recognized by National Park Service's National Trails System in late twentieth-century because it lies along two national historic trails: Lewis And Clark Trail & Applegate Trail.
Today visitors can explore various attractions including visitor center with exhibits about Kalapuya Indians who originally inhabited region before European contact or take guided walks through nature trail system spotting wildlife like deer or beavers while learning more about local flora/fauna from interpretive signs scattered throughout parkland.
Despite facing many challenges since inception - natural disasters such as floods/fire plus human-induced changes like urban development/agricultural expansion - this heritage area continues preserving unique cultural/natural resources offering educational/recreational opportunities benefiting future generations too!
Day-UseSwimming Beachyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Electric Sitesyes
Water/Electric Sitesyes
Full Hookup Sitesyes
1. Champoeg State Park Campground: This campground offers a variety of camping options including RV sites, tent campsites, and yurts for rent. The park also has amenities such as restrooms with hot showers and flush toilets.
2. Riverside Day-use Area: While not technically a campsite, this area is perfect for picnics or day trips where you can enjoy the beautiful surroundings without staying overnight.
3. Group Tent Camping Areas: These are ideal if you're traveling in large groups or hosting events like family reunions or company retreats.
4. Cabins & Yurts at Champoeg State Heritage Area: There are several cabins available to rent that offer more comfort than traditional tents but still allow guests to experience nature up close.
5. The Historic Butteville Store Bed & Breakfast: Located just outside the state heritage area itself but it's an option worth considering especially if your idea of 'camping' leans towards comfortable beds and home-cooked meals!
6. Bike-in Sites: For those who prefer cycling tours over driving around in cars/RVs there's bike-only access areas within the park too!
The park offers a boat ramp that provides access to the Willamette River for boating enthusiasts. Canoeing and kayaking are popular activities, with rentals available on-site during summer months. Fishing is also permitted in designated areas along the riverbank or from boats following state regulations.
Enjoy fishing in the Willamette River, home to species like Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. A valid Oregon license is required.
Champoeg State Heritage Area is located near Beaverton, Canby and Gladstone
1. Champoeg State Heritage Area offers numerous picnic spots with tables and grills.
2. Enjoy a riverside picnic at the day-use area.
3. Reserve one of four covered group picnicking areas for larger gatherings.
4. Picnic sites are equipped with water spigots, restrooms nearby, and trash receptacles.
5. The park's open fields provide ample space for blanket-style picnics too.
1. Townsite Loop: This 2-mile trail is perfect for a leisurely stroll, taking you through the historic town of Champoeg and offering views of various historical markers.
2. Riverside Trail: A scenic route that runs along the Willamette River, this 3-mile path offers beautiful river vistas and opportunities to spot local wildlife like deer or beavers.
3. Oak Grove Day Use Area Trails: These interconnected trails wind their way around picnic areas and open fields in an oak savannah setting with interpretive signs about native plants throughout.
4. Birding Trail: As its name suggests, this short but sweet half mile loop provides ample opportunity for bird watching amidst lush vegetation near wetlands area within park boundaries.
5. Disc Golf Course Pathway: While primarily used by disc golfers playing on the course's nine holes, these paths also serve as hiking routes providing access to less-visited parts of Champoeg State Heritage Area.
6. Barclay House-to-Dock Trail: Starting at Barclay house museum,this easy quarter mile walk leads down towards dock where one can enjoy fishing or simply relax enjoying riverside view.
7. Museum Building - Visitor Center Walkway: Short paved pathway connecting two main buildings while passing through manicured lawns & flower beds.
8. Nature Play Area Paths: Small networked pathways surrounding children's play area which are ideal for families looking out for safe outdoor activities.
9. Campground Loops: Multiple small loops running inside campground suitable both day visitors exploring different camping sites & camp residents seeking quick walks nearby.
10. Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin Museum Access Road: Though technically not a designated walking trail, many hikers use it due to its direct connection between cabin museum site & parking lot.
Within this historical site in Oregon, there are several bicycling options. However, riders should proceed with caution.
A popular choice is the 4-mile bike path that winds through lush forests and open meadows.
The park also offers a challenging 7-mile loop for more experienced cyclists but it requires careful navigation due to its steep sections.
Bike rentals aren't available on-site so remember to bring your own or rent one before arrival.
Cyclists must adhere strictly to designated paths as some areas of the park are off-limits for preservation reasons.
Always wear helmets while biking here; safety regulations mandate their use at all times within these grounds.
Be aware of pedestrians and wildlife when cycling - sharing pathways respectfully ensures everyone's enjoyment and safety.
Champoeg Promise: An interactive living history program bringing Champoeg history to life for school children grades 1 through 8. Now accepting reservations for programs running from March to mid-June. For more information on this exciting program at Champoeg, call the Friends of Historic Champoeg at (503) 678-1649.
Champoeg offers a variety of birding opportunities with over 130 species identified. It features diverse habitats including forests, fields and riverbanks attracting different types of birds. Birdwatchers can spot bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, great blue herons among others. The park also provides guided bird walks for enthusiasts to learn more about local avian life.
1. Start by heading south on I:5 if you're coming from Portland or north if you're traveling from Salem.
2. Take exit 278 for Donald/Aurora towards OR:551 N/Hubbard/Dundee.
3. Merge onto Ehlen Rd NE and continue straight onto Champoeg Rd NE.
4. Follow Champoeg Rd NE for about 6 miles until you reach the entrance of Champoeg State Heritage Area.
Alternatively, if you prefer a scenic route through countryside roads:
1. From downtown Newberg, head west on E Hancock St toward S College St.
2. Continue straight as it turns into Wilsonville:Newberg Hwy/Old Parrett Mountain Road/Newberg-Sherwood Road SW (follow signs for Sherwood).
3. Turn right onto Scholls Ferry Road NW after approximately 7 miles.
4. After another mile turn left at Roy Rogers road then take an immediate right back onto Scholls Ferry road which will become River rd when crossing over Tualatin river bridge.
5. Follow this winding country road along Willamette Valley vineyards till reaching Butteville where one can see historic buildings dating back to early settlers time period including The Old Aurora Colony Museum before continuing down Main Street past Pudding River Wine Cellars & tasting room.
6. Eventually arriving at intersection with Boonesferry rd SE just prior entering town of Saint Paul,turn Left following sign pointing way To French Prairie Gardens /Butteville Store.
7. Proceed Northward passing farm fields eventually turning Right off main roadway leading directly into park area.
Once inside the heritage area's grounds:
8. Park your vehicle in designated parking areas near visitor center or campground depending upon preference.
9. Enjoy exploring various historical sites such as Pioneer Mothers Memorial Cabin or Robert Moore House while taking advantage of recreational activities like hiking, picnicking or biking along the Willamette River.
10. When you're ready to leave, simply retrace your steps back to the main road and follow it until you reach your desired destination.