Public Parks in Clackamas

Parks, Recreation & Outdoor Fun in Clackamas County

Clackamas County is your backyard playground — with over 50 parks, rivers, trails, and forests ready to explore. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, and stay active.

North Clackamas Parks & Recreation District (NCPRD)

Voted in by residents in 1990, NCPRD covers 40 square miles and offers 50+ parks and green spaces across Milwaukie, Happy Valley, and unincorporated areas of Clackamas County. From Stringfield Family Park on Naef Road to the baseball fields on 162nd Avenue, there are playgrounds, picnic shelters, trails, and ballfields for every age and interest.

Highlights:

• North Clackamas Aquatic Park – Home to Oregon’s only indoor wave pool, Big Surf! Features a lap pool, diving well, children’s play area, 29-foot rock climbing wall, and swim lessons in a safe environment.
• Milwaukie Center & Sara Hite Memorial Rose Garden – A beautiful venue for weddings, parties, receptions, and community events.
• North Clackamas Park – 45 acres of forested and open space with ballfields, picnic areas, playground, horseshoe pits, and a dog park.

Learn more about NCPRD parks and trails at ncprd.org.

Our Top 10 Parks & Outdoor Spaces

If you’re visiting, relocating, or just looking for your next adventure, here are 10 parks you shouldn’t miss:

1. Barton Park – River access, boat ramp, fishing, camping, hiking, and reservable picnic shelters.
2. Metzler Park – Family-friendly camping, wooded trails, and Clear Creek views.
3. Milo McIver State Park – Camping, boating, disc golf, equestrian trails, and birdwatching on the Clackamas River.
4. Molalla River State Park – Day-use park with river confluence views, wetlands, trails, and excellent birding.
5. Eagle Fern Park – A peaceful forest setting perfect for picnics, weddings, and shady summer hikes.
6. Hebb Park – Small, quiet park with Willamette River views — a great place for a picnic or a stop on the Canby Ferry route.
7. Wilhoit Springs Park – Historic mineral springs site with picnic tables, short trails, and interpretive signage.
8. Barlow Wayside Park – Small wooded park along the historic Barlow Road (Oregon Trail route).
9. Carver Park – A popular put-in spot for rafting and kayaking the lower Clackamas River.
10. Springwater Corridor Trail – 21 miles of paved multi-use trail running from Portland to Boring — ideal for walking, running, or cycling.

Waterfront & Forest Experiences

• Clackamette Park (Oregon City): RV campground, boat ramp, and picnic areas at the confluence of the Willamette and Clackamas rivers.
• Gladstone’s Waterfront: Fishing, kayaking, and riverside trails make it a hub for water recreation.
• Demonstration Forest (Hopkins Demonstration Forest): Schedule a visit to this 140-acre privately owned, publicly accessible forest to learn about sustainable forestry and enjoy educational hikes. demonstrationforest.org

Why It Matters for Business & Residents

Outdoor amenities are a major reason people choose to live, work, and invest here. Access to parks and green space helps businesses attract talent, gives employees places to recharge, and strengthens the community’s quality of life.