Mary S. Young Park — Attraction in West Linn

Mary S. Young Park offers a peaceful place to walk or sit and relax by the Willamette River. About 128 acres, this quiet, forested park is a favorite for urban birders. As you walk deeper into the forest on the numerous trails (around 8 miles worth), it’s easy to forget you’re in a city. It's a quick but refreshing stop if you don't have time for a drive to the country. Loads of room for kids to play on the sports fields, a restroom, shelter that can be reserved, and a large area for dogs to run unleashed. Mary Hoadly Scarborough Young (born 1891) was a wealthy resident of Lake Oswego. She was active in the development of parks and gardens. Mary purchased the property as a gift to her husband. He actually refused the gift, supposedly objecting to its extravagance. Mary left the mostly undeveloped property to the State of Oregon, rather than the city, in her will, the story being that she objected to a speeding ticket issued by a local police officer. The stipulation was that the acreage be kept as near as possible to a natural state. The park opened in 1973 and is operated by the West Linn Parks and...

What a lovely experience! We have moved and we no longer are close to glendoveer Park where we used to go for walks and wonderful walks I must say because of the sawdust pathways throughout the course. Mary S Young Park is a local institution when it comes to outdoor recreation They seem to have it all. A huge wonderful dog running area, and a ton of trails for us to experience. The trail that the wife picked today seemed to be all uphill but that's because we were so excited when we got here we traveled downhill for about a mile and when we got down to the river which by the way is absolutely gorgeous from about a hundred viewpoints we turn and hiked our way back upwards. Took a minute, took a bottle of water, and took a little patience but we shall conquer this park upon our many returns I'm sure. It shall be nicer when it warms up and some of this mud is eradicated but all in all lots of great people with their kids and their dogs and just a very happy place to be. I commend the crew for keeping the park in such...

Mary S Young Nature Park is an absolute jewel! If you're looking for a beautiful place to catch a sunrise, go for a hike, sit and reflect, etc., this is it! It's situated on the west bank of the Willamette River, with creeks, valleys, bridges, and incredible views for days.

As a daily hiker, I choose Mary S Young Park about 75 percent of the time. With an incredibly diverse and extensive trail network, I feel like it's easy to choose a unique hike for each day of the week. In addition to all of the wonderful trails, views, and yes, great people that you may encounter, it is attached, via an aluminum walking bridge, to Cedar Island! If you like water, sandy, tapered banks, and amazing river rocks, you'll most certainly enjoy Cedar Island.

In short, which is not something I'm good at lol, I highly recommend Mary S Young Nature Park in West Linn for anybody wishing to enjoy a surreal bit of nature that's not far from the city. Take care and...