Champoeg State Heritage Area

Sam’s Outdoor School this year is at Champoeg State Heritage Area. Ryder and I toured the Willamette River waterfront area and enjoyed seeing the vibrant fishing community. The park is big and beautiful and Sam is going to have an awesome week of camping and adventure. The last time I was here was when I was in my early twenties and we saw Chris Isaak perform. It was an amazing concert and it took place in the big field right by Sam’s camp. As an ode to Chris, and the hope of concerts coming back to Champoeg, I included a picture of him to pay tribute.

Explore more … Champoeg State Heritage Area features a rare combination of history, nature, and recreation. Situated south of Newberg along the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg's forests, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.

This is the site where Oregon's first provisional government was formed by a historical vote in 1843. A thriving town of 200 was established, only to be washed away during a great flood in 1861. This rich history earns the park’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places.

A diversity of activities await. Enjoy walking or biking on the paved trails that pass historical landmarks and hug the river. Play the 18-hole disc golf course under the oak trees, relax at the multitude of scenic picnic areas, or fish or kayak from dock on the Willamette River.

The ecologically rich landscape is home to more than 130 bird species, including seasonally nesting western bluebirds and acorn woodpeckers.