Milo McIver State Park: a local outdoor getaway.

Located along the picturesque and wild Clackamas River, Milo McIver State Park provides a variety of fantastic outdoor recreational opportunities, just 45 mins from the Portland area.

As a result of our challenge of visiting Oregon State Parks, we are adding a new one on our list, the gorgeous Milo McIver State Park.

This place has that “off-the-beaten-path” or wild adventure type of feel, even though it’s located just 50 mins from our home.

What to see and do

Milo McIver State Park is located in Estacada, Oregon, just 45 minutes from Portland area, that nearness, as well as the recreational options it offers, makes this park an ideal destination for day-trippers.

In addition to the two day-use areas (one of them with a disc golf course), this park also features a campground; in that way, you can spend several days exploring the river, forest, trails, and fields, since this park is huge!

Particularly during our visit, we spent most of the time at the Clackamas River, even though the water is clear and the natural settings are beautiful, its good to keep in mind that there is not easy access for swimmers. In other words, you have to hike a little to find the right spot, in our case, with shallow areas for the kids.

• 

• 

• 

However, on the other hand, this river is ideal for activities like rafting, kayaking, floating, and similar ones.

For picnicking, you will find several sites with tables and grills in both day-use areas; in fact, we enjoy ours under lovely trees with river views.

Without a doubt, this place offers something for everyone, including pet owners. Besides, to be pet-friendly, there is a fantastic dog, off-leash area.

During our visit, we couldn’t explore the trails so much; however, we are planning to come back for hiking some of the 6.1 miles of paths (this includes equestrian trails).

And before leaving, don’t forget to check the accessible viewpoint, with views of Mt Hood and Clackamas River.

Finally, check here for more swimming or water adventures and here for hiking ideas! And if you want to visit more Oregon State Parks, you will find our posts on the following page.

Plan your trip

Main features/Amenities

• Two Day-use areas open year-round: Riverbend area with river access, boat ramps, and disc golf course, and Riverside with river access and boat ramp. Both with picnic areas.
• McIver memorial viewpoint (ADA accessible and with amazing views of Mt Hood and Clackamas River).
• Campground (for details of infrastructure, what is open and reservations check here).
• 6.1 miles of trails (including also equestrian paths).
• 27-hole disc golf course.
• Estacada Lake.
• Dog off-leash area.
• Large parking lots.
• Accessible flush toilet restrooms.

Important information

• Location: Milo McIver State Park, Estacada, OR 97023.
• Official website.
• Map of the facilities.
• Day-use visitors must have valid parking ticket ($5 payable at the entrance of online passes here)
• All day-use areas are open.
• The life jacket loaner station is closed.
• Bring water shoes or some sandals, since there are rocky sections in the river.