Hike #1: Canemah Bluff, Oregon City

The weather report predicted a winter snow storm was going to blast our area. And boy did it ever! Luckily, the kids and I were able to squeeze a nice 3 mile hike in at Canemah Bluff- a system of trails high above Willamette Falls in Oregon City- before it hit. 

The Clackamas Chinook Village of Canemah was a site of Native American canoe portage around Willamette Falls. Pioneer settlers arrived in the mid 1800's and the town of Canemah was officially platted in 1849. The first public school in Canemah was built on this site and by the early 1900's, Canemah had become a residential community for mill workers, wealthy tradesmen and sea captains.

The trail head begins at a nice park with 2 playgrounds for kids. Restroom facilities are here, although they were closed for the winter.

To find the trail head, walk past the restrooms at the park and along the fenced area above the river for nice views across to West Linn. Friends joined us for this hike, making it all the better! 

You will come to a wide path with a sign indicating "Canemah Bluff Natural Area." Enter here into a land of Douglas firs, oaks and madrones. 

On the path about .5 miles in, you will come to the fenced Canemah Pioneer Cemetary, dating back to 1864. Canemah was founded by Absalom Hedges, who built a steamboat to ply the river above Willamette Falls. The tombstones of the Hedges and other pioneer families are found here. 

Continuing around the cemetery, we came upon an eerie pond. Had there not been so much mud from a previous storm, I would've let the kids explore the pond more.

Somehow, we got off trail and had to maneuver down the hillside back to the main trail.  Although I hate getting "lost", carving out our own path was the highlight of the trip for my adventurous boys.

But we found the main trail and all was well. We hiked back to the park and ended our walk with snacks. 

Location: Canemah City Park, 914 4th Ave, Oregon City, OR

Fees and regulations: Open dawn to dusk, No fees, No dogs or bikes

Hiking difficulty: Moderate