The park land was once part of the estate of Mary S. Young, a significant benefactor in the West Linn community.
The Willamette River shoreline within the park serves as a natural riparian zone, offering views of the river's active ecosystem.
The park contains a designated off-leash area for dogs, which is a rare amenity in this specific section of the Willamette Valley.
The trail network includes a mix of paved, gravel, and primitive dirt paths, catering to both casual walkers and trail runners.
Mary S. Young Park is a 128-acre forested natural area located along the Willamette River in West Linn, Oregon. The park features over 5 miles of multi-use trails traversing both flat riverside meadows and steep, wooded terrain. It provides critical habitat for diverse avian species, making it a prominent destination for local birdwatchers. The grounds include dedicated sports facilities, specifically several soccer fields utilized for local youth athletics. Equestrian use is permitted on specific designated paths within the trail system. The property was donated to the city by Mary S. Young, a long-time resident and philanthropist. Visitors can access the riverfront via a short hike from the main trailhead near the parking facilities. The terrain consists largely of second-growth forest, dominated by Douglas fir, Western red cedar, and Bigleaf maple trees.
The riverfront clearing near the main trail terminus, looking toward the Willamette River.
Bring waterproof footwear if visiting during the rainy season, as lower riverside trails can become muddy.
Use an offline map app, as the dense forest canopy can cause intermittent GPS signal loss.
Visit the riverside area during the early morning to increase the likelihood of spotting blue herons or bald eagles.
Attempting to access the steep riverbank slopes, as they are prone to erosion and are often slippery.
Stay on marked trails to protect the riparian ecosystem; leash laws apply outside of the designated off-leash zone.
