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| BLACKWELL Refreshing Willamina Creek bends around a shady grove of Oregon White Oak before cascading over sculpted bedrock formations. The creek pools invitingly next to a river rock beach with shady picnic sites in abundance. Location: 4.5 miles north of Willamina off Willamina Creek Road. Highlights: Willamina Creek, oak shade, picnic area, pit toilets, wading and swimming. On the Internet |
CHARLES METSKER This gated park is open to chaperoned, organized youth groups only. A one-mile interpretive trail circles around Rainbow Lake, an old mill pond on Baker Creek. Amenities for groups include a covered picnic shelter and science lab. For reservation information please contact Yamhill County Public Works at 503-434-7515. Location: 9.2 miles west of McMinnville at the termination of Baker Creek Road. Highlights: The park is open to chaperoned, organized youth groups only. Contact the Department of Public Works at 503.434.7515. Mile-long interpretive trail around Rainbow Lake, a covered picnic shelter and field station. On the Internet |
DAYTON LANDING Located five miles upstream from the Willamette River at the confluence of the Yamhill River and Palmer Creek, this county park has a small boat ramp and ample parking. Location: In Dayton, drive northeast on Ferry Street and turn southeast onto Water Street. Highlights: This county ramp is located on the Yamhill River where it joins Palmer Creek, providing boating access approximately five miles upstream from its confluence with the Willamette. Restrooms provided Memorial Day through Labor Day. On the Internet |
DEER CREEK A nature lover's delight, this park contains the largest wet prairie ecosystem in the lower Willamette Valley. The tallgrass prairie at Deer Creek Park attracts regional attention each spring when both very rare and more common wildflowers burst into bloom. Located in Gopher Valley at the confluence of Cronin Creek and Deer Creek, it is one of the counties finest parks, with abundant picnic areas beneath a grove of old Oregon ash. Location: 11 miles southwest of McMinnville on Highway 18 or 2 miles northeast of Sheridan on Highway 18 turn north onto Gopher Valley Road and continue north 5.5 miles to the signed gravel road leading to the park. Highlights: A 29-acre park is the largest remnant of a wet prairie ecosystem in the lower Willamette Valley with continuing restoration; for 150 varieties of native plants and more. Picnic tables and new restrooms. On the Internet |
ED GRENFELL Baker Creek, which meanders through abundant grassy areas, is the central feature of this popular countryside setting. This park hosts a covered picnic shelter that can be reserved for small gatherings and reunions. For reservation information please contact Yamhill County Public Works at 503-434-7515. Location: 4.5 miles west of McMinnville off Baker Creek Road. Highlights: Redwood trees, Baker Creek, grassy areas with picnic tables, covered picnic shelter, rest rooms. On the Internet |
EDIGER LANDING A popular Willamette River beach access and boat ramp, this undeveloped park, located next to the Wheatland Ferry, serves as a gateway to abundant recreation opportunities along the nation's thirteenth largest river. Location: 9.5 south of Dayton on Highway 221, turn east onto Wheatland Ferry Road and proceed 1.2 miles. Boat landing is to the north of the ferry. |
HUBER PARK Tucked inconspicuously along Baker Creek, a grassy area and secluded rock beach make this small park a great getaway for picnics. Location: 6.2 miles west of McMinnville off Baker Creek Road. Highlights: Rock beach, easy access to Baker Creek, small nature trail, large grassy area for picnics, pit toilets. On the Internet |
POWERHOUSE PARK JULIETTE PARK These two undeveloped parks along Baker Creek contain relics of McMinnville's first electric generating plant'huilt circa 1900. The future development of these parks will help us celebrate our past. Location: Powerhouse Park is 7.2 miles west of McMinnville adjacent to Baker Creek Road and Juliette Park is 1.3 miles up the same road. On the Internet |
LAFAYETTE LOCKS Listed on the National Historic Register, the park features the remains of the old locks that once permitted boats to navigate up the Yamhill River to McMinnville. Meandering paths and picnic areas, under a canopy of ancient Douglas Fir, allow for nice views of both river and locks. Location: .5 mile east of Lafayette on Highway 99W turn south onto Locks Loop Road. Proceed south onto Locks Road 1 mile to park entrance. Highlights: Yamhill River site is listed in the National Historic Register and remnants of the shipping locks can be seen from the grassy banks. Scenic views, picnic tables, rest rooms. On the Internet |
MENEFEE A mature Western Red-Cedar grove along Turner Creek provides a charming setting for a secluded picnic in this small, out-of-the-way park. Location: Turn northwest off Highway 47 onto Pike Road in Yamhill. Proceed 8.5 miles to park entrance. (At 4.5 miles Pike Road becomes Turner Creek Road). Highlights: Western Red-Cedar grove along Turner Creek, secluded setting picnicking, pit toilet. On the Internet |
MONROE LANDING This small, undeveloped park along the South Yamhill River has great potential as a future boat landing and natural gathering place. Access is currently restricted. For information, please call Yamhill County Parks, 503-434-7513. Location: 4 miles south of McMinnville on 99W, turn west onto Riverbend Road and proceed 2.7 miles to gated entrance to Whiteson Landfill. Monroe Landing shares gate with the landfill. |
ROGERS LANDING One of Oregon's premier boat launch facilities on the majestic Willamette River, this park offers expansive parking and boat access. There is a launch fee at this site. Location: Off highway 99W in Newberg, turn south onto River Street. The park entrance is at the intersection of River and 14th Street. Highlights: Main boating access to the Restrooms. Willamette River in Yamhill County gets heavy use in the summer by fishers, water skiers, and leisure boaters. Now under redevelopment to expand the boat ramp. Restrooms open year-round. On the Internet |
STUART GRENFELL Maple, cottonwood and ash trees greet siditors traveling to and from the coast. This park provides a lovely setting for a picnic with easy access to Mill Creek. Location: 2.7 miles west of Sheridan, turn onto Harmony Road off Highway 18. Highlights: Cottonwood grove. Mill Creek, picnic tables, wading, fisbmg and swimming. New restroorns. On the Internet |
WREX CRUSE Occupying a hillside on the western edge of the Willamette Valley, this undeveloped park offers scenic valley views. Location: 2.5 miles northeast of Yamhill off Highway 47 |
BALD PEAK STATE PARK Location: Nine miles west of Newberg. Chehalem Mountain. Services: picnicking, hiking. |
ALDER GLEN, FAN CREEK AND DOVRE BLM CAMPGROUNDS Location: Meadow Lake Road, upper Nestucca River, Coast Range Reservations: For additional informatin, call BLM, 503.375.5646 |
ROCKY BEND CAMPSITE Location: Off U.S. 101, 14 miles east of Beaver. Travel east on Blaine Road to the Blaine Junction approximately 6 miles. Turn east on Upper Nestucca River Road, and continue for 9 miles to the campground on the right. Highlights: Located on the Nestucca River, this is a small camp, but its great for family groups and clubs. Good fishing access to the Nestucca River and the salmon and steelhead fishing during the season. Also a great place for exploring and a relaxing spot. From here its just a short distance to Hwy. 47, inland or to Hwy. 101 to the coast. On the Internet |
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