Oregon City | The End of the Oregon Trail

ALL ABOUT

Oregon City is steeped in colorful history and beautiful scenery. Oregon City is the first incorporated city west of the Mississippi and was established in 1829 by Dr. John Mcloughlin as a lumber mill.  The most notable feature of Oregon City is Willamette Falls, the largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest and the eighteenth largest in the world by water volume.The falls are unique in three-terraced formation, which range from about 250 feet above sea level to 50 feet above sea level.  Many of Oregon City's historical industries, namely fishing, lumber and paper are closely tied to the Willamette River and the falls.  Today, those industries have declined considerably but the city is still home to smaller industrial and commercial operations.

Oregon City offers a wealth of parks, a farmers market and a variety of community activities  - the rich history, beautiful scenery and close proximity to Portland make Oregon City a unique area with much to offer.

HISTORY

Initially home to a large number of Native Americans, the area became an industrial boom town, which led to an influx of settlers.  The new surge of wealth led to many luxury homes being built, and Oregon City being established as Oregon's first capital, until that title was transferred to Salem in 1864.

A number of museums including the Clackamas County Historical Society Museum, The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center and The Stevens Crawford Museum celebrate both indigenous cultures and the experiences of settlers in the area and are popular attractions.  Due to the historical nature of Oregon City, there is a large number of beautiful old homes, some of which, like John McLoughlin's Georgian home and the Ermatinger House, are also tourist attractions.

Oregon City also offers a wealth of parks, a farmer's market and a variety of community activities  - the rich history, beautiful scenery and close proximity to Portland make it Oregon City a unique area with much to offer.

LOCATION

Oregon City is located 20 minutes south of Portland off the I-205 just south of the Clackamas River, and immediately south-east of the Willamette River.