On Sunday, I went on a nice day trip to Champoeg State Park. It’s really nice this time of year. The crowds are gone, and the fall colors are resplendent.
Old street sign from town destroyed by flooding
Oregon’s first provisional government was formed there in 1843. In addition to the Native Americans, there were only a handful of European trappers and burly mountain men in the area at that time. They knew that a large influx of people would soon be arriving from back East, and that unless they formed a government, their claims to the land could be at risk. The town thrived until 1861, when a large flood on the Willamette River inundated the settlement.
I wandered the trails, stared at the historical sites, and just enjoyed the scenery. I saw a blue heron, a kestrel, and a red-tailed hawk. The park also features a museum, visitor center, disc golf, boat dock, and camping facilities (including yurts).
What are some of your favorite places to visit around Portland this time of year?
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The Oregon History lesson I remember from Champoeg State park is that the decision to go with the US vs. UK was 52 to 50. Three more votes and we’d be Canadian.
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