Contact: Jae Heidenreich, 503.742.5910
jh@mthoodterritory.com
HISTORY– MUSEUMS, HISTORIC SITES & TRANSPORTATION
Museums & Memorials
End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Located on Abernethy Green, the main arrival area for Oregon emigrants
in the mid-1800s, visitors come here to experience the 2,000-mile
Oregon Trail journey. A multi-media presentation includes a visit
to the general store, the “Bound for Oregon” film compiled
from pioneer journal entries, and exhibits such as what each month
had in store for the pioneers as they traveled west. Call for hours.
1726 Washington Street, Oregon City, OR 97045 – 503.657.9336 – www.endoftheoregontrail.org
Museum of the Oregon Territory
Uncover the treasures of the historic Oregon Territory, which once
spanned from Alaska to California. Exhibits range from period fashions
and Native American artifacts, to an extensive pharmacy bottle collection.
See the original plat map of San Francisco, filed in Oregon in 1850
at the only Federal Courthouse in the West. An extensive research
library and photo archives are available on-site, and a rental space
for receptions offers a spectacular view of Willamette Falls. Open
year-round, except major holidays, admission charged. Call for Hours.
211 Tumwater Drive, Oregon City, OR 97045 – 503.655.5574 – www.orcity.com/museum/
Canby Depot Museum
Visit the oldest train depot in Oregon and find the key to many of
Oregon’s tales of the rails. The depot has been converted into
a regional history museum, which pays special attention to old-time
flax, nursery and floral industries. Farm and dairy equipment is
also on display. Open Thurs.-Sun., 1-4, closed January, February
and holidays. A $2 admission donation is suggested.
888 NE 4th Avenue, Canby, OR 97013 – 503.266.6712 – www.canby.com/community/depot/depot.htm
Milwaukie Museum
Built in 1865, this former farmhouse belonging to the George Wise
family was donated to the Milwaukie Historical Society. The museum
showcases the history of Milwaukie and its people, and is home to
the area’s earliest streetcar, Old No. 3, from 1872. Open weekends
11 a.m.-3 p.m., no admission fee.
Mt. Hood Cultural Center & Museum
Mount Hood history is kept alive through the stories, exhibits and
artifacts from the region housed in this former B&B. The museum
features photographs, artifacts and reference books for additional
research, and is home to a unique display of original Ray Atkeson
photos. The museum hosts the Mountain Lecture Series and other events.
Call for hours, no admission fee.
88900 East Hwy. 26 Business Loop, Government Camp, OR 97028 –503.272.3301 – www.mthoodmuseum.org
Willamette Falls Locks, Museum and Viewpoint
Opened in 1873, the Willamette Falls Locks is the oldest facility
of its kind in the country. Visitors can stop by this National Historic
Site’s museum, set up a picnic or take a guided tour. Call for
hours.
End of Mill Street, West Linn, OR – 503.656.3381 www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/wfl/home.asp
Sandy Pioneer Museum
Dedicated to the preservation of the pioneer experience, photos and artifacts dating back to the mid-1800s are on display at this museum. Please call for seasonal hours, no admission fee.
39345 Pioneer Blvd., Sandy, OR 97055 – 503.668.3378 www.sandyhistorical.org
The Bomber Restaurant and Wings of Freedom Showcase
This American diner features a landmark World War II B-17G Bomber
(circa. 1944), which has the lowest airtime of any B-17 in the world.
A mission has been established to restore the plane to air-worthy
condition. An on-site military museum hosts private events (i.e.
military reunions). Rotating exhibits include women in war and wartime
uniforms/equipment. Open Fri.-Sun 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
13515 SE McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie, OR 97222 – 503.654.6491 – www.thebomber.com
Oregon Korean War Memorial
Remember the “forgotten war” by visiting this outdoor memorial. Open daily, 24 hours, the memorial is located on the grounds of the Wilsonville Visitor Center – stop in for more information on Oregon’s Mt. Hood Territory.
29600 SW Park Place, Wilsonville, OR 97070 – 503.682.3314 – www.spectacularoregon.com/landmarks/warmemorial.htm
Historical Markers
Barlow Road Tollgates and Laurel Hill Chute
Nearing the end of the 2,000-mile journey west, many pioneers traveling
the Barlow Road went down Laurel Hill Chute on their way to make
land claims in Oregon City. The last tollgate operated on the Barlow
Road (1879-1919) is the West Barlow Tollgate, located off Hwy.
26 between mile markers 45 and 46. A replica of the original gate
stands
between two maple trees planted by Daniel Parker, gatekeeper from
1883-1902.
Emigrants used ropes and sheer strength to lower their wagons down
the near-vertical slopes at Laurel Hill Chute. Located on Hwy. 26 between
mile posts 50 and 51 (access for eastbound traffic only), visitors
can walk a short trail to view the drop the pioneers faced – imagine
lowering your belongings to the riverbanks below.
Both sites are open dawn to dusk, weather permitting. No admission
fee and no attendant.
Off Hwy. 26 between Welches and Government Camp – 888.622.4822
Jonsrud Viewpoint
This bluff provides a spectacular vantage point for viewing the portion
of the Sandy River pioneers crossed on the Barlow Trail route over
the mountains. Clear sightlines to Mount Hood and surrounding areas
are an added bonus. This stop is definitely worth the extra couple
of minutes on your way to or from Mount Hood.
Bluff Road, off Highway 26, Sandy, OR 97055
Historic Houses/Buildings
Baker Cabin and Pioneer Church
Experience the homestead life when you visit Baker Cabin, the only
cantilevered log house in Oregon. The Baker family was part of
the first pioneer wagon train to take the Barlow Trail and arrive
in
Oregon City on October 10, 1846. Horace Baker opened a rock quarry
and ran a ferry across the Clackamas River. After 10 years without
building a house because of his busy schedule, neighbors took
pity on his wife, Jane, and built her the house as it stands
today.
Built in 1895, the Pioneer Church was moved to its present
site. Non-denominational services are open to the public
on religious holidays
and the church can be rented for private ceremonies.
Tours for both buildings are available by appointment only,
no admission fee.
Off Highway 224 near Carver, OR – 503.631.8274 – www.bakercabin.org
Dibble and Von Der Ahe Houses
Completed in 1859, Oregon’s first year as a state, the Dibble
House is the oldest home in Molalla and one of Oregon’s few examples
of “salt box” architecture. Built over three years with
fir and cedar lumber cut by hand, the house is furnished as it would
have been in the 1800s.
Originally located midway between Oregon City
and Molalla, the Von Der Ahe House served as a stagecoach stop
along the Portland-Salem
route in the 1800s.
Both houses are open Fri.-Sun. 1-4 p.m. and
by appointment, no admission fee.
620 South Molalla Avenue, Molalla, OR 97038 – 503.829.5521 - www.molallachamber.com/Attractions.htm
Ermatinger House and Living History Tea & Textile Museum
The city we know as Portland had its fate decided at the Ermatinger
house. Asa Lawrence Lovejoy wanted to name it after his hometown
of Boston, and Francis W. Pettygrove favored his hometown of Portland,
Maine. The two agreed to let the flip of a coin determine the name – Pettygrove
won. Built in 1845, this is the oldest house in Clackamas County
and the staff now hosts Living History Teas where visitors can experience
a bit of 1860s life with characters from Oregon’s past. The
house is used to host classes and other events. Open limited hours – tours
and events by appointment only, admission charged.
619 6th Street, Oregon City, OR 97045 – 503.650.1851 - www.oregoncityparks.org/Ermatinger/ermatinger-house.htm
McLoughlin House & Barclay House
Former Canadian and chief factor of the Hudson Bay Company, Dr. John
McLoughlin, built this house in 1845. Tour the home to see how
the man known as the “Father of Oregon,” and his wife
Marguerite lived – they often welcomed travelers with generous
hospitality. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places,
the McLoughlin
House features a variety of 1800s furniture. Call for seasonal
hours, no admission fee – part of Fort Vancouver National Historic
Site.
The Barclay House was moved to its current location and
now serves as the gift shop for the McLoughlin House. Dr.
Forbes Barclay served
as a physician for the Hudson Bay Company before settling in
Oregon City with his wife and seven children. He served as a physician,
mayor of Oregon City, schools superintendent and the first
coroner
in Oregon.
No admission fee.
713 Center Street, Oregon City, OR 97045 – 503.656.5146 – www.mcloughlinhouse.org or http://www.nps.gov/mcho/
Rose Farm
Unearth Oregon’s early political history in this house. Completed by William and Louisa Holmes in 1847, it is the oldest American home in Oregon City. Oregon was first declared a territory at Rose Farm in 1849. The home was the meeting place of the first Oregon Territorial Legislature and the site of the first territorial governor’s inaugural speech in 1849. On the National Register of Historic Places, the home was named for Louisa’s many roses. Open Sun. 1-4 p.m., Mar.-Oct., admission fee.
914 Holmes Lane, Oregon City, OR 97045 –503.656.5146 – www.mcloughlinhouse.org/rosefarm.html
Stevens-Crawford Heritage House
Built in 1907-1908, this house never left the family and contains
most of the original furniture in addition to a Victrola and many
turn-of-the-century kitchen utensils. The house was built by descendents
of Medorem Crawford, a wagon master who led pioneers across the Oregon
Trail. Call for Hours.
603 6th Street, Oregon City, OR 97045 –503.655.2866 – www.orcity.com/museum/hhouse.html
Oswego Heritage House
Built in 1920, the colonial revival style home was built by real
estate developer, Paul C. Murphy. Murphy is responsible for much of
Lake Oswego’s early development. The site now houses the Lake
Oswego History Museum, archives, a library and community meeting space.
Revolving exhibits and beautifully landscaped gardens add to the experience.
Open Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
398 Tenth Street, Lake Oswego, OR 97034 – 503.635.6373 – www.europa.com/~heritage
Philip Foster Farm
Built in 1847 at the end of the Barlow Road, the Foster’s farm
hosted an estimated 10,000 exhausted Oregon Trail pioneers, offering
many their first taste of fresh food in months. Explore the museum,
barn, pioneer store and blacksmith shop. Activities include live demonstrations
of the activities that were part of daily life for early settlers (cider
press, packing a wagon, etc.). The garden is home to the oldest lilac
in Oregon, brought via ship by Mrs. Foster. Call for seasonal hours,
admission charged.
29912 SE Hwy. 211, Eagle Creek, OR 97022 – 503.637.6324 – www.philipfosterfarm.com
Timberline Lodge
Built in the 1930s, the lodge is a prime example of Cascadian architecture
and the craftsmanship that was commonplace among public works projects
during the New Deal era. Built through the Works Progress Administration
(WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps, the building played a
significant role in the Portland economy. Art is present in every
detail of the lodge, from the mosaic floor in the foyer, to subtle
carvings in the beams and hand-made wrought iron door handles. The
Rachael Griffin Historic Exhibition Center features an authentic
recreation of a guest room as it would have appeared at the 1937
dedication – all furnishings, including the hand-woven fabrics
and hand-hooked rugs, are original WPA pieces. A documentary detailing
the building of the lodge is on continuous loop in the lobby. Timberline
features a formal dining room, lodging, gift shops and the longest
ski season in North America. Open year-round, free tours on weekends
through the US Forest Service.
27500 East Timberline Road, Timberline Lodge, OR 97028 – 800.547.1406 – www.timberlinelodge.com
Transportation
Oregon City Municipal Elevator
Built from 1912-1915, the elevator connected the older, river level of town, with the newer level atop the cliffs. Originally run on waterpower, the system was switched to electrical power in 1924. Today, visitors can ride on the only outdoor municipal elevator in the United States for free. Sites near the upper-level entrance include the McLoughlin, Barclay and Ermatinger Houses, and a promenade with scenic views of Oregon City and the Willamette River. The lower-level entrance is in downtown Oregon City. Call for hours, no admission fee.
300 7th Street, Oregon City, OR 97045 – 503.657.0891 –
www.orcity.org/general-information/historic-places.htm
Historic Canby Ferry
Serving as a link between the communities of Canby and Wilsonville, this historic ferry is one of three operating vehicle ferries remaining in Oregon. Established in 1911, the ferry was brought to Canby in 1914. Daily service 6:45 a.m.-9:15 p.m., transportation charge.
Holly Street and Mountain Road, Canby, OR 97013 – 503.650.3030
– www.co.clackamas.or.us/dtd/trans/info/ferry.htm
Willamette Shore Trolley
Antique trolleys operated by the Oregon Electric Railway Historical
Society run between Lake Oswego and downtown Portland on a seven-mile
route along the Willamette River in about 45 minutes. Travel over
trestles and bridges, through tunnels and past beautiful homes. Call
for schedule, transportation charge (group rates available).
311 North State Street, Lake Oswego 97034 – 503.697.7436 –
www.trainweb.org/oerhs/wst.htm
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