Willamette Mission State Park
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Location
To reach the park take I-5 exit 263 and go west on Brooklake Rd, then north on Wheatland Rd. The park is 4 miles west of I-5.
From the park’s website Willamette Mission State Park: A gorgeous retreat for birdwatchers, horseback riders, disc golfers and kayakers, Willamette Mission State Park has something for everyone. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the park marks the site of the original Willamette Mission, established in 1834 and washed away by flood in 1861.
The park’s 1,300 acres include woodland, wetland, rolling meadows and working farmland. Just eight miles north of Salem and only minutes from I-5, it is a convenient retreat for family picnics and company events. Visitors also have a chance to explore almost 15 miles of trails on foot or horseback.
The nation’s largest black cottonwood sits on the shores of Mission Lake. This 270-year old tree is more than 28 feet in circumference, and stands more than 155 feet tall.
Park Trails 5 miles of bike paths 6 miles of horse trails 2 ½ mile self-guided education trail 1 mile jogging loop Note: Trails may flood during heavy rainstorms in winter and spring.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
Open, grassy fields and wooded areas along the Willamette River host warblers, vireos, bluebirds, woodpeckers, kinglets, chickadees and nuthatches. Waterfowl, raptors, Belted Kingfisher and others can be found around Mission Lake and along the river.
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