Champoeg State Heritage Area

Champoeg State Heritage Area features a rare combination of history, nature, and recreation.

This is the site where pioneers voted to form Oregon's first provisional government by a historical vote in 1843.

The ecologically rich landscape is home to more than 130 bird species, including seasonally nesting western bluebirds and acorn woodpeckers.

Reservations are required for yurts and cabins.

When they are not res

Situated south of Newberg along the scenic Willamette River, Champoeg's forests, fields, and wetlands recreate the landscape of a bygone era.

Enjoy walking or biking on the paved trails that pass historical landmarks and hug the river.

This rich history earns the park’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places. A diversity of activities await.

Play the 18-hole disc golf course under the oak trees, relax at the multitude of scenic picnic areas, or fish or kayak from dock on the Willamette River.

Group Facilities Reserve group facilities at our partner site or by calling 800-452-5687. Group picnic and tent sites are available for reservation from May 1 through Oct. 31.

The reservation website has additional details about facilities. Group picnic sites The park features three spacious day-use areas, two of which offer group picnic areas.

Prior to 1840 The Champoeg prairie was home to Kalapuya Indians, who had used the area for hunting, fishing, and gathering camas bulbs for thousands of years. Fur trappers first visited Champooick, as the area was known, in 1811. The Willamette Post was established in 1813 to serve the trappers. The Seeds of Government In 1841, area settlers began holding “wolf meetings” to discuss problems with predators. Eventually, the meetings turned to larger issues, and on May 2, 1843, the settlers voted 52 to 50 to establish a new provisional government for the area. Transportation Hub Although the provisional government moved to Oregon City in 1844, Champoeg’s location on the river made it a regular stop for stagecoaches and steam boats. By the end of the 1850s, the town had grown to 60 buildings and a population of 200. In 1861, a flood washed away most of the wooden buildings, and the townsite was abandoned. Champoeg remained an important transportation link until another disastrous flood led to its total abandonment in 1892. Humble Beginnings Champoeg Park began as a single square "rod" of land— a fraction of an acre just large enough for a granite monument carved with the names of the men who voted. For many years, the park was only used one day a year, on May 2, when locals would travel by steamboat to celebrate that momentous vote. Champoeg Today The park expanded to 107 acres by 1929, when the automobile spurred an interest in recreation. By 2019, the park had expanded to 678 acres with 550,000 day visits and 89,000 overnight visits annually. The park continues to celebrate the 1843 vote during the annual Founders' Day .