A Summertime Stay On The Tualatin River In West Linn

By Guest Author: Molly Allen

It’s a treat to spend the day relaxing on the Tualatin River, whether you’re shoreside or paddling. It’s even better to spend the night perched up above the river for the ultimate summer getaway. That’s exactly what I got to experience in West Linn in July. Here’s everywhere I visited on a one-night stay to help you plan your own trip to this area with rich history and incredible views.

After a drive from Hood River, I arrived in West Linn on a warm afternoon and was immediately ready for a swim. My first stop? Swiftshore Park. The Swiftshore Open Space is a small but beautiful spot along the river. It’s located in a neighborhood at the end of Swiftshore Drive, and the pathway to the river goes in between private property and houses. It’s a wonderful spot to enjoy, but neighborhood members and their property should be respected when parking and visiting. The walk from the street is short, with access to a sandy beach area perfect for picnics by the water. Here, there are small rapids that break up into an inviting swimming hole. The water felt amazing on a summer day.

Swiftshore Park provides excellent access to the water.

After a swim, it was time to check in for my accommodations for the night. The Goat Shed was the main event of the trip. This pet-friendly vacation rental property sits up above the Tualatin River with mesmerizingly tall trees encompassing the property. It makes you feel like you’re tucked in the forest, but you’re just minutes from town. A stay includes access to both the Zen Den and the Goat Shed, which indeed was used to house goats on the property at one point, but you’d never know. It has been transformed into a sleek, modern cabin-style stay complete with a full kitchen and bathroom, king-size bed and panoramic windows. The Zen Den is just steps away from the Goat Shed with its own queen-size bed and bathroom and deck overlooking the river. On-site, you have access to a communal fire pit shared amongst other visitors on the property and can walk down the steep steps to the dock to take in the river view up close.

Try this unique vacation rental on the river.

I spent the early evening reading by the river before heading to dinner at Willamette Garage, which is located on the Historic Willamette Main Street just minutes from the Goat Shed property. This unique eatery was once Willamette’s first service station. Now, it’s a popular food cart pod with a lively energy and plenty of seating, along with fire pit tables and a bar to pull it all together. It has maintained the structure of the garage for a vibrant community gathering spot. There are nine food carts on site to choose from, with everything from sushi and Thai to chicken wings and sliders on the menu. Kickin’ Chicken Wings was my fare of choice for the evening before heading back to the Goat Shed to catch the last few minutes of sun tucking behind the trees along the river before heading to sleep. In the morning, I loved waking up and having coffee on the deck, with the towering old-growth trees above me and the sounds of the river rapids below.

My last stop during this overnight visit to West Linn was Fields Bridge Park, with easy access to an extensive walking path and 19 acres to explore. It’s a stop on the Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail, a map of 26 key historical locations and cultural landmarks throughout the region. Fields Bridge Park is home to the Willamette Meteorite Interpretive Site, with signs along the trail sharing details about how a 15.5 ton meteorite washed up along the Tualatin River. This was a great spot to walk along the river, learn more about the area and get a good stretch in before hopping back in the car to head home after a fantastic trip with plenty of interesting history and magnificent views.

The Willamette Garage features nine food carts, plenty of covered seating and fire pits.