Clatskanie OregonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Clatskanie, Oregon.
1. Clatskanie City Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Clatskanie City Park serves as the community's main outdoor recreation center featuring playgrounds, playing fields, and a covered skatepark. The park offers both walking and water trails where kayakers can launch and wind their way through diked farmlands to the Columbia River. Visitors can enjoy various activities including picnicking, sports, and recreational paddling in this central community gathering space.
2. Thomas J. Flippin House - The Castle
HISTORIC TURRETED MANSION
The Thomas J. Flippin House, commonly known as The Castle, is a turreted mansion perched on a hill above the center of Clatskanie. This national historic preservation site serves as a museum and special events center that showcases the area's rich history. Visitors can explore this architectural gem that stands as a testament to Clatskanie's past and cultural heritage.
3. Beaver Boat Ramp and Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Beaver Boat Ramp and Park provides water access to the local river system for boating enthusiasts and fishers. Located at 12728 River Front Rd, this recreational area serves as a gateway to explore the waterways around Clatskanie. Visitors can launch boats, fish, or simply enjoy the natural riverside setting.
4. Clatskanie Cultural Center's Birkenfeld Theatre
ARTS AND PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Birkenfeld Theatre at the Clatskanie Cultural Center hosts the Clatskanie Arts Commission's Performing Arts Series and an independent short film festival. This cultural hub is central to Clatskanie's artistic community, offering various performances and events throughout the year. The venue plays a vital role in nurturing the local arts scene and providing entertainment for residents and visitors alike.
5. Bloom Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Bloom Gallery showcases original works from Clatskanie's burgeoning arts community. The gallery represents the creative spirit of the region, displaying pieces from local artists in various media. Visitors can experience the artistic talent of Clatskanie while supporting the town's cultural development.
6. Beaver Falls
SPECTACULAR NATURAL WONDER
Beaver Falls offers hikers a spectacular natural view just a few miles outside of Clatskanie. The waterfall is surrounded by the lush forests typical of Oregon's Coast Mountains. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the natural beauty of this scenic spot while experiencing the region's rich ecological diversity.
7. Faith Lutheran Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Faith Lutheran Church stands as one of Clatskanie's notable historical landmarks and places of worship. Located at 620 SW Tichenor St, the church serves both as a religious center and a piece of local architectural heritage. Visitors interested in historical buildings or religious sites will find this church a meaningful stop in Clatskanie.
8. Air Pirates Kiteboarding
ADVENTURE WATER SPORTS
Air Pirates Kiteboarding offers exciting water sport adventures near Clatskanie, taking advantage of the Columbia River's favorable wind conditions. Enthusiasts can learn kiteboarding skills or enhance their existing abilities with professional guidance. The company provides a thrilling outdoor activity option for visitors looking to experience the natural waterways surrounding Clatskanie in an adrenaline-pumping way.
9. Cope's Park
TRANQUIL COMMUNITY SPACE
Cope's Park provides Clatskanie residents and visitors with another peaceful outdoor recreational area. Located at 350 US-30, this park offers green spaces for relaxation and community gatherings. The park contributes to Clatskanie's quality of life with its accessible natural setting within the town.
10. Columbia River Maritime Museum
REGIONAL MARITIME HISTORY
The Columbia River Maritime Museum in Astoria, just 35 minutes west of Clatskanie, unfolds the tales of seafaring history in the Pacific Northwest. This acclaimed museum houses an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, interactive exhibits, and historical vessels. Visitors can explore the rich nautical heritage of the Columbia River and the challenging conditions of the Columbia River Bar, known as the 'Graveyard of the Pacific.'
11. Port of Astoria
HISTORIC WORKING WATERFRONT
The Port of Astoria beckons visitors with its authentic maritime charm and working waterfront atmosphere. Located about 35 minutes from Clatskanie, this historic port offers views of commercial fishing vessels, sea lions, and the impressive Astoria-Megler Bridge spanning the Columbia River. Visitors can stroll along the riverwalk, dine at waterfront restaurants, and experience the genuine coastal culture of the Pacific Northwest.
12. Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
STUNNING FLORAL DISPLAY
Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden in Portland showcases a spectacular collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and other native plants across its 9.5 acres. Located about 60 miles from Clatskanie at 5801 SE 28th Ave, this botanical garden features peaceful paths winding around picturesque lakes and waterfalls. Spring visitors are treated to an explosion of color when hundreds of rhododendron varieties burst into bloom, though the garden maintains its beauty throughout the year with changing seasonal displays.
13. Hoyt Arboretum
LIVING MUSEUM OF TREES
Hoyt Arboretum spans 189 acres in Portland's Washington Park, featuring over 2,000 species of trees and plants from around the world. With 12 miles of hiking trails, this living museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems and landscapes just 60 miles from Clatskanie. The arboretum serves as both a recreational destination and an important scientific resource for botanical research and conservation.
14. International Rose Test Garden
WORLD-FAMOUS ROSE COLLECTION
The International Rose Test Garden in Portland's Washington Park is home to over 10,000 rose plants representing approximately 650 varieties. Established in 1917 and located at 400 SW Kingston Ave, this fragrant attraction is the oldest continuously operating public rose test garden in the United States. Visitors from Clatskanie making the hour drive to Portland can enjoy panoramic city views while strolling through the meticulously maintained garden, which is particularly spectacular during the main bloom season from May through September.
15. Oregon Coast
DRAMATIC PACIFIC SHORELINE
The Oregon Coast is a mere 35 miles from Clatskanie, offering dramatic shorelines, public beaches, and charming coastal towns like Seaside and Cannon Beach. Visitors can explore tide pools, watch for whales, hike coastal trails, or simply relax on sandy beaches with views of iconic landmarks such as Haystack Rock. The coastline's natural beauty changes with the seasons and tides, providing a different experience with each visit and making it a perfect day trip from Clatskanie.