Nature lovers will find their own piece of wild in the city when they visit Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. Located on the east bank of the Willamette River, adjacent to the Sellwood District, this 163-acre (65 hectare) wildlife refuge attracts a variety of ducks, blue herons and raptors. Hiking trails lead you through the refuge where you can observe these birds in a natural setting. It is hard to believe that part of this refuge sits atop a sanitation landfill. The birds do not seem to mind and you will not either once you catch a glimpse of this scenic natural area. While you are in this area you may also want to visit Oaks Park. There are no fees to use this refuge.
For a festive, family-oriented, all-around great time in the Portland area, this amusement park is unparalleled. You will find multiple picnic sites with playground equipment at Oaks Park. A roller skating rink, museum and a lot of fun zones are featured in this park. Located in a centralized area, under the Sellwood Bridge in Southeast Portland, this park is a relatively short drive for everyone. Annual events such as the fall festival held in this park have become local traditions.
Housing the state legislature, governor's office, and secretaries of state and treasury, the Oregon State Capitol was built between 1936 and 1937. The current building is actually the third capitol building for the state of Oregon, the previous two both having been destroyed by fire. A large portion of the Art Deco building is made of marble and features a large cylindrical cupola, which caused some aesthetic controversy at the time of its debut, topped with a golden statue of an Oregon pioneer. The dedication ceremony in 1938 was attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt along with other prominent statesmen of the day. More recently, it is the first capitol building to produce its own solar power.
The Lee Mission Cemetery, located in Salem, is touted to be one of the oldest cemeteries in the entire United States. It was established with the burial of local dignitary Lucy Thompson Lee. Renowned and noted, the crematory has more than 3500 documented burials. Efforts have been made on the part of civic groups and individuals to preserve and restore the graveyard.
Head up to Cooper Mountain to experience tranquil hospitality in an early 20th century country estate. This 68 acre property is the perfect venue for corporate meetings or other social events. You don’t have to be a nature lover to enjoy the self-guided walking tours within the estate grounds that offer spectacular views of the Garden, the valley and the surrounding mountainside. You can literally stop and smell the roses at acres of garden surrounding the estate. The gates to both the flower and herb garden are open Monday-Friday 6a to 4p. Admission is free. To rent the property, schedule an appointment for facility tours.
Fly over beautiful vineyards and luscious hillsides of the Tualatin River Valley. Your crew handles the balloon expertly and tells tales of ballooning and local history. Vista Balloon Adventures is dedicated to customizing your experience, so go ahead and discuss your dreams with them. A tour includes brunch after the voyage. The flight is about an hour long, but the whole affair lasts about three and a half hours.
Ideally located on Garfield Street, Woodburn Public Library remains the primary reading room of Woodburn. It boasts of an extensive selection of music CDs, movie DVDs, best-seller novels and other reading material. High-speed WiFi connectivity is also provided.
St. Luke Catholic Church is a historic place of worship in Woodburn. Situated on Harrison Street, the church is much-frequented by the region's devout followers. The church site is also home to the noted St. Luke School.
Settlemier House is an ancient structure commissioned by Woodburn's pioneer, Jesse H. Settlemier. This historic edifice was built in the year 1892. Situated on North Settlemier Avenue, it now functions as a museum and an event venue.
Settlemier Park is spread across 10 acres (4.04 hectares) and dates back to the year 1946. A thriving aquatic center and a large skate park are its major attractions. Several picnic areas are also built inside.
Legion Park remains one of the oldest parks of Woodburn. Situated on Park Avenue, the park covers an area of 16 acres (6.47 hectares). Shaded picnic areas, large playground and a volleyball court are some of its excellent amenities.
The sprawling OGA Golf Course is laid out to the designs of noted landscape architect, Bill Robinson. Established in the year 1993, it is located on Hazelnut Drive. Golf Digest rated it as one of the most reasonably-priced golf courses of America in 1996.