Sarah Helmick is located six miles south of Monmouth off Highway 99W. Helmick lies along the floodplain of the Luckiamute River and is forested in Douglas fir, grand fir, maple, ash, Port Orford cedar and cottonwood. There are two reservation picnic areas for groups up to 150 people each. Electricity, water, picnic tables and restrooms are provided at each site. There is plenty of shade from the bigleaf maples that tower above you. It is a quiet spot to walk along the trails that border the Luckiamute River, with plenty of birds and native plant life to investigate.
You wouldn't guess just by looking, but this a deeply meaningful place. Sarah Helmick was the first state park established in Oregon way back in 1922, now thought of as the birth date of the Oregon State Park system. Next time you're there, take a moment to thank the memory of Sarah and her family for their gift.
