Oregon City Travel Guide

Trek Zone

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Oregon City is a captivating destination nestled in the heart of the picturesque Oregon region in the United States. This charming city offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture that will leave visitors in awe.

One of the must-visit attractions in Oregon City is the stunning Willamette Falls, a majestic waterfall that cascades down in a breathtaking spectacle. This natural wonder not only provides a mesmerizing sight but also serves as an important historic and cultural landmark for the region. Visitors can take a scenic walk along the waterfront to enjoy panoramic views of the falls or embark on a thrilling boat tour to get up close and personal with this awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

For history enthusiasts, Oregon City boasts a wealth of fascinating heritage sites that offer a glimpse into the past. The Oregon City Municipal Elevator, for instance, is a unique attraction that dates back to 1915 and is one of only four municipal elevators in the world. Taking a ride on this historic elevator provides not only a convenient way to navigate the city's hilly terrain but also an opportunity to step back in time and appreciate the architectural marvels of yesteryears.

To delve deeper into the city's history, a visit to the Oregon City Museum of History and Industry is a must. This museum showcases artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits that narrate the story of Oregon City's evolution from a pioneer settlement to a thriving urban center. Visitors can learn about the Oregon Trail, the region's Native American heritage, and the industrial development that shaped the city's identity.

Oregon City is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with an abundance of parks and recreational areas. The stunning Clackamette Park, located at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette Rivers, offers a serene environment for picnicking, fishing, and boating. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Mount Talbert Nature Park, where miles of scenic trails wind through lush forests, providing opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and wildlife spotting.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Oregon City is a vibrant hub for arts and culture. The city hosts numerous festivals, art shows, and live performances throughout the year, showcasing the talents of local artists and musicians. Visitors can immerse themselves in the creative scene by exploring the various galleries, theaters, and music venues dotted across the city.

Alternative names: Founded: 1829 (195 years ago)Population: 35.8 thous.Area: 9.88 mi²Elevation: 98 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 45°21'35"N, 122°36'7"W

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OregonUnited States

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Oregon City Top Attractions

Oregon City Attractions - What to See and Explore

Oregon City offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Willamette Falls, McLoughlin Promenade, Clackamette Park, Oregon City Bridge. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Natural attraction • Park • Waterfall
Willamette Falls
Nestled in the historic city of Oregon City, Willamette Falls stands as a breathtaking natural wonder that captures the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This powerful waterfall is not only a scenic spectacle but also a site of rich cultural and economic...
Park • Scenic walking areas
McLoughlin Promenade
The McLoughlin Promenade is a scenic pathway located on Singer Hill Bluff, on the southeast bank of the Willamette River overlooking Oregon City in the U.S. state of Oregon.
Park • Clackamette Park
Clackamette Park
Clackamette Park is a public park in Oregon City, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The park has a boat ramp, and served as a film location for Grimm.

Bridge
Oregon City Bridge
The Oregon City Bridge, also known as the Arch Bridge, is a steel through arch bridge spanning the Willamette River between Oregon City and West Linn, Oregon, United States. Completed in 1922, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Canal • Sunset
Willamette Falls Locks
The Willamette Falls Locks are a lock system on the Willamette River in the U.S. state of Oregon. Opened in 1873 and closed since 2011, they allowed boat traffic on the Willamette to navigate beyond Willamette Falls and the T.W. Sullivan Dam.
Historical place • Clackamette Park
Oregon City Municipal Elevator
The Oregon City Municipal Elevator is a 130-foot elevator which connects two neighborhoods in Oregon City in the U.S. state of Oregon. It is the only outdoor municipal elevator in the U.S. and one of at least 8 in the world. The upper portion contains an observation deck which accounts for its flying saucer appearance.
Museum • Observatories and planetariums
Haggart Observatory
Haggart Observatory is an astronomical observatory found at the John Inskeep Environmental Learning Center of Clackamas Community College. It is located in Oregon City, Oregon, United States.
Park • Clackamette Park
Jon Storm Park
Jon Storm Park is a public park in Oregon City, in the U.S. state of Oregon. Named after a community volunteer who died in 1994, the park opened in 2008 and has a picnic shelter and plaza.
Monuments and statues • Clackamette Park
Moontrap
Moontrap is an outdoor sculpture by Lee Kelly, installed at the base of Oregon City, Oregon's Singer Creek Falls, along the McLoughlin Promenade, in the United States. The abstract stainless steel sculpture was unveiled in November 2011.
Bridge • Clackamette Park
82nd Drive Pedestrian Bridge
The 82nd Drive Pedestrian Bridge is a pedestrian bridge connecting Gladstone and Oregon City in the U.S. state of Oregon. The bridge has been owned and maintained by the Clackamas Water Environment Services since 1998.
Historical place • Museum • History museum
Ermatinger House
The Francis Ermatinger House is located in Oregon City, Oregon, United States. Built by Francis Ermatinger in 1843, it is the oldest house in Clackamas County.
45°21'7"N • 122°36'47"W
Clackamas County Historical Society
Natural history museum • History museum • Museum
45°21'53"N • 122°35'38"W
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive & Visitor Information Center
Park • Specialty museum • Museum
Bridge • Gladstone
John McLoughlin Bridge
The John McLoughlin Bridge is a tied-arch bridge that spans the Clackamas River between Oregon City and Gladstone, Oregon, in the northwest United States. It was designed by Conde McCullough, and named for Dr. John McLoughlin. It is 720 ft long, with a main span of 240 ft.
45°21'32"N • 122°36'27"W
Clackamas County Courthouse
The Clackamas County Courthouse is an historic building in Oregon City, Oregon.
Library • McLoughlin
Oregon City Carnegie Library
The Oregon City Carnegie Library is an historic library building located in Oregon City, Oregon, United States. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
Park • McLoughlin
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site
Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a United States National Historic Site located in the states of Washington and Oregon.
Bridge
Abernethy Bridge
The George Abernethy Bridge, or simply Abernethy Bridge, is a steel plate and box girder bridge that spans the Willamette River between Oregon City and West Linn, Oregon, United States, and which carries Interstate 205.
45°21'29"N • 122°36'28"W
Richard B. Petzold Building
The Richard B. Petzold Building, also known as the Noble Building, is an historic building in Oregon City, Oregon, United States. It was completed c. 1905, and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Day trips

Oregon City – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Oregon City, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Portland Art Museum (Portland), Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (Portland), Washington Park (Portland).

12 milesN
Asian, American and Native American art
Portland Art Museum, Portland
Nestled in the heart of Portland, Oregon, the Portland Art Museum is a cultural beacon that attracts art enthusiasts from around the world. Established in 1892, it is the oldest art museum in the Pacific Northwest and boasts an impressive collection that spans across...
11 milesN
Museum, Science museum
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, Portland
Nestled in the heart of Portland, the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, commonly known as OMSI, stands as a beacon of learning and discovery. This premier science center in the Pacific Northwest offers a rich tapestry of interactive exhibits, hands-on activities...
12 milesNW
Park
Washington Park, Portland
Nestled in the verdant heart of Portland, Oregon, Washington Park stands as a tranquil refuge and a hub of outdoor activity for locals and tourists alike. Encompassing over 410 acres, this urban oasis offers a blend of nature, history, and recreation.
28 milesNE
Scenic natural area with steep falls
Multnomah Falls, Washougal
Nestled in the lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest, Multnomah Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that draws visitors from around the globe. This majestic waterfall is located in the Columbia River Gorge, just a short drive east of Portland, Oregon, and within...
11 milesN
Museum, Art museum, History museum
Oregon Historical Society, Portland
Nestled in the heart of Portland, the Oregon Historical Society is a cultural gem that offers visitors a profound journey through the rich tapestry of Oregon's past. This esteemed museum, dedicated to preserving and showcasing the diverse history of the state, stands...

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Best Time To Visit Oregon City

Learn when is the best time to travel to Oregon City weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and August.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in July. Most of it rains in January, November and December.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Oregon City?

The top attractions to visit in Oregon City are:

What is the best time to visit Oregon City?

July is the most popular and therefore the most crowded month to visit this location. Many people also choose to visit in June and August. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January.