Welcome to Oregon City
Oregon City is situated at the meeting point of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers, about 13 miles south of Portland. The city is divided into three distinct areas by a series of bluffs and hills. Oregon City features many amenities, including retail centers, parks, museums, and interpretive centers committed to honoring its pioneer spirit.
Oregon City was the first town west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated and was also a major endpoint on the Oregon Trail. Its historic core is located along the Willamette River's eastern bank at the base of Willamette Falls. Oregon City is known for its landmark pulp, paper, and woolen mills, its early adoption of hydroelectric power, and its one-of-a-kind municipal elevator, which is considered the only vertical street in the U.S. Residents of Oregon City truly enjoy a small-town feel with easy access to Portland.
What to Love
- Rich history
- Oregon City Municipal Elevator
- Gorgeous views overlooking the nearby Abernethy Creek
- Proximity to Portland
Local Lifestyle
Oregon City offers the perfect blend of suburban and urban living, with perks of an urban lifestyle but still want a small-town feel. Despite its relatively small population of about 35,000, Oregon City has all the makings of a major metropolitan area. Residents enjoy first-rate establishments and landmarks without contending with the crowds that characterize major metropolitan areas.
Oregon City is an excellent area for people who enjoy being active in the great outdoors. Willamette Falls is a good example of the natural splendor found all around Oregon City. Furthermore, the city is home to numerous beautiful parks.
Dining, Entertainment, & Shopping
The Highland Stillhouse provides an authentic Irish pub experience. The restaurant's decor is reminiscent of a traditional Scottish bar, with low lighting and comfortable booths. Rivershore Bar & Grill is one of the best restaurants in Oregon City, serving a wide variety of dishes such as clam chowder, fish and chips, spinach dip, and delicious steaks. For some superb Bloody Mary selections, head to Ranee's On Main. Watch the game while indulging in a beer and one of Ranee's amazing dishes, such as a prime rib, bacon, or blue burger. Other notable restaurants include McMenamins Oregon City, Bugatti's Oregon City, Busch Weinhard Grill, Mi Famiglia, Ingrid's Scandinavian Food, and Nebbiolo Restaurant and Wine Bar.
Things to Do
For scenic city views, ride the Oregon City Municipal Elevator, the only city-owned and operated outdoor lift in the U.S. Amazing views of the Willamette Falls, the Oregon City Bridge, and the Abernethy Bridge can be seen from the elevator's "flying saucer" observation deck. Located at the actual end of the Oregon Trail, the End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center features self-guided collaborative exhibits, arts and craft demonstrations, guided tours, and educational activities such as wagon packing, looking for prairie wildlife, and frontier camping.
Oregon City is home to the McLoughlin House, a magnificent museum once the residence of Dr. John McLoughlin. Museum-goers have the option of taking a docent-led tour or exploring on their own. Mcloughlin Promenade is a picturesque walkway with gorgeous views of downtown Oregon City, Willamette River, and Willamette Falls. This walkway takes residents and tourists on a stroll through history, starting at the Municipal Elevator.
Parked on the banks of Abernethy Creek in the northern part of town, Abernethy Creek City Park is hidden away between private residences. There is a variety of wildlife in the region, and several mature trees provide shade. Hikers will love Hopkins Demonstration Forest, home to over five miles of hiking trails, the longest of which is the Watershed Interpretive Trail, which follows Little Buckner Creek for one mile.
Schools
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Alliance Charter Academy, Grades K-12
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Clackamas Academy of Industrial Sciences, Grades 8-12