Willamette Mission State Park

Park Overview

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 flood during heavy rainstorms in winter and spring. Check this page for closures. 

Water Play

Anglers will enjoy fishing for bluegill, crappie, carp and largemouth bass in Mission and Goose lakes. Fishing at Goose Lake requires some trailblazing, and the undeveloped trail can flood in the winter and spring (watercraft walk-in only).

At Mission Lake, cast your line from the fishing access.

Access the Willamette River from the boat launch next to the Wheatland Ferry, at the north end of the park. Two trails from the Filbert Grove Day-use Area lead to a beach with a gravel bar popular for launching kayaks. A permit is required for camping along the Willamette River Water Trail; call or visit the park office to obtain one.

Know Before You Go

• Do not swim, float, paddle or boat without a life jacket. Wearing a life jacket, and making sure it fits properly, saves lives. 
• Boaters: check ahead for obstructions on the Oregon State Marine Board's Reported Obstructions and Alerts page.
• Flooding may occur during heavy rainstorms in winter and spring. Check the park notice or call the park office for closure information.

Camping and Picnicking

• Picnic shelters: The park's three picnic shelters include covered kitchen area with picnic tables, electricity and water. Each is alongside a spacious lawn with horseshoe pits and a volleyball net, with nearby flush restrooms. Park Manager approval is required for over 150 people and for event or equipment staging. Shelters are first-come, first-served when not reserved.
• Beaver Island Group Camp: Space for up to 75 tent campers, with a fire ring, picnic tables, water and outhouse. Flush restroom building is nearby. No showers, power or shelter.
• Horse Camp: Four spacious sites, each with four stalls, a fire ring and two picnic tables. 
• Hiker/biker camp (no reservations)
• Reservable facilities are closed seasonally.
• NOTE: Park does not have showers.

Disc Golf

The Wheatland Disc Golf Course features 18 holes that weave through a hazelnut grove. A fairway map and scorecards are available at the start of the course.

For more information and a park map, download our Recreation Guide.