Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site

Closed — This is a day-use only park with no overnight camping. Group picnic sites are available for reservation through the Oregon State Parks system.

About

Sarah Helmick State Recreation Site holds the distinction of being Oregon's first state park, established in 1922 when Sarah Helmick and her son James donated 5.46 acres to the state. The park has since grown to 30 acres and sits on the floodplain of the Luckiamute River, forested by Douglas-fir, grand fir, bigleaf maple, ash, Port Orford cedar, and black cottonwood. The park is designed as a day-use recreation area with two reservable group picnic areas, each equipped with electricity, water, picnic tables, and access to flush toilets. Each group site can accommodate up to 150 people. The park is popular in summer for its shaded picnic facilities and swimming hole, though swimmers should exercise caution as the river current can be deceptively strong. The mature forest canopy and natural understory make this an excellent location for birdwatching. Located just six miles south of Monmouth in Polk County, the park offers a quiet, verdant retreat in the heart of the Willamette Valley. Visitors can enjoy short walking trails through the forested grounds, fish in the Luckiamute River, or simply relax under the towering trees that have sheltered this historic site for over a century.

Directions

Located six miles south of Monmouth off Highway 99W in Polk County.

Nearby Campgrounds