Willamette Stone State Heritage Site
Campground · Portland
253 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, OR 97210
About
Tucked away in the West Hills of Portland, the Willamette Stone State Heritage Site serves as a quiet, historical landmark that many locals drive past without realizing its significance. Located just off NW Skyline Boulevard, this secluded spot marks the "Point of Beginning" for the land survey system that defined the borders of Oregon and Washington. While it is not a traditional park with amenities or extensive hiking trails, it offers a peaceful, short walk down a paved path that leads visitors to the monument where the original surveying lines cross. With a strong 4.6-star rating from over 130 reviews, the site is widely regarded as a hidden treasure for those interested in regional history and science. Visitors should note that the trail is relatively short and features a moderately steep incline, making it inaccessible for wheelchairs. Because the site is tucked into a small, wooded area, parking can occasionally become limited, and travelers are advised to look for the entrance just past Royal Boulevard on the south side of Skyline. It remains a thought-provoking destination for anyone looking to step back in time and stand at the very origin of Pacific Northwest landownership.
What clients say
The Willamette Stone State Heritage Site is a secluded, historically significant location in Northwest Portland that marks the origin point for land surveys in Oregon and Washington. Visitors appreciate the peaceful, short trail through the forest, though many note that the site is difficult to locate due to inaccurate Google Maps directions.
Strengths
- Significant historical importance
- Quiet and peaceful atmosphere
- Short, scenic trail
Weaknesses
- Inaccurate Google Maps location
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Lack of amenities
- Limited parking
Best for
History enthusiasts and those interested in the origins of Pacific Northwest land surveying.
Opening hours
- Friday
- 7 AM–9 PM
- Monday
- 7 AM–9 PM
- Sunday
- 7 AM–9 PM
- Tuesday
- 7 AM–9 PM
- Saturday
- 7 AM–9 PM
- Thursday
- 7 AM–9 PM
- Wednesday
- 7 AM–9 PM
Contact
- 253 NW Skyline Blvd, Portland, OR 97210
- (800) 551-6949
- oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=180