Champoeg State Heritage Area

Champoeg State Heritage Area features History, Recreation, and Nature in the same place. A perfect combo of activities for a day full of adventures!

As a result of that perfect combination between History, Recreation, and Nature, we loved Champoeg. And given that it is so big, we couldn’t visit it entirely (we were there just for two hs.). Consequently, we are planning to come back!

The trip

We had this place in our bucket list for so long! And because it’s located no more than 45 mins from my home (of course depending on traffic), it was the perfect plan for a weekday without school.

I traveled from Portland with my son taking the US-26 E, OR-217 S, and the I-5 S. And then the last part of the trip I was driving on a road with countryside views that it was so beautiful. I love that area!

Before going there, I suggest having 5 dollars in cash. That is the fee for the day-use area. I didn’t have any money with me (and I arrived when the visitor center was closed), so I had to drive to the next town and stop at a grocery store to get some money and then return and pay the fee using the Pay Box.

What to see and do

There are different sites and cultural places to visit, so my suggestion always to go first to the Visitor Center (Check the seasonal open time before going). There, you can find brochures, maps, and a great exhibition of the history of the place. The volunteers are amazing too!

Additionally, at the Visitor Center, you can find restrooms, a gift shop, and several picnic tables.

After learning about the history of the place where Oregon’s first provisional government was formed by a historical vote in 1843, we went on a hike for different trails. Some of the paths are paved, so you can go, for example, with your bike and have a trip around the park.

Some of the historical places you can explore there are Newell House, Pioneer Mothers Log Cabin museums, Donald Manson Barn, Champoeg Pioneer Memorial Building, and the Historic Butteville Store.

• 

• 

• 

There are beautiful trees everywhere, and in our case, we enjoyed the colorful flowers since they are blooming! And I guess that it has to be gorgeous in Fall too!

• 

• 

• 

In addition to the day-use area, there are camping options too.

I hope you enjoy this place as much as we did it. If you are looking for a similar type of experience and activities, please consider visiting: Tillamook Forest Center or Mount St. Helens Visitor Center.

Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• Hiking trails (some of them paved for biking)
• Visitor Center with exhibits, picnic tables, and restrooms.
• Different historical sites to explore.
• Several picnic areas.
• Campground (for details, reservations, and options, check the website).
• Access to Willamette River.
• Disc Golf.
• Parking areas.

Additional information and tips

• Location: 8239 Champoeg Rd NE, St Paul, OR 97137.
• Website.
• Some services are reduced due to Covid-19. Visitor Center is closed.
• Open: year-round but different hours depending on the season. Check the website before visiting.
• Fees: 5 dollars day-use area (for other permits and options, take a look at the website).