Mary S. Young offers opportunities for group picnics or gatherings, hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, bird watching, wildlife watching and playing sports.

Mary S. Young State Recreation Area offers you a peaceful place to walk or sit by the Willamette River. This quiet, forested park is a favorite for urban birders. As you walk deeper into the forest on the numerous trails, it’s easy to forget you’re in a city.

There’s also plenty of room for kids to play on the sports fields, a restroom, reservable shelter and an area for dogs to run unleashed.

Vital stats: There is no fee to use this park. A fee is charged for use of the group picnic area.

: The area receives a high amount of precipitation. Much of the precipitation comes from October to April in the form of rain at the low elevations and as wet heavy snow in the higher elevations. Winter temperatures are normally cool at the lower elevations and cold at the higher elevations. Although snow is possible in the lowest elevations, it is infrequent and does not stay on the ground for long. Late spring, summer and early autumn bring the best chance for clear, sunny days and bring moderate temperatures.

Location: This site is found along Oregon Highway 43, 9 miles south of Portland.

Contact Info: Oregon Parks & Recreation Department1115 Commercial Street NESalemOR97301-1002800-551-6949