Six miles, three history rich neighborhoods, three iconic waterfront parks, one historic Iron Smelter, Foothills Trail, and the William Stafford Pathway–all along the shores of the Willamette River.
Lake Oswego is a walkers paradise, with an engaging variety of walkable trails–all with varied terrain and stellar views. But THIS walk takes the cake. It’s in a class all its own.
We can thank the Willamette River, along with visionary park developers, for this thoughtfully created, ever changing, forever beautiful gift to the region.
Here you’ll meander alone on quiet trails, cavort in the river with “kids” of all ages, fire up a grill for hotdogs, toss a frisbee, play pickleball with friends, host a wedding, run the dog, swim, or rent a kayak. We’ve even witnessed communal, full body baptisms in the river at George Rogers Park.
But perhaps the trajectory for this region would have been quite different if not for The Oregon Iron Company, established in 1865. It was the first company west of the Rocky Mountains to smelt iron. Restored remnants of the Oregon Iron Company Furnace are in George Rogers Park.
Along this route at 40 Wilbur Street in Oldtown, you’ll pass the last remaining Iron Company Worker’s Cottage, now a museum. The circa 1880 building is the oldest house in Lake Oswego open to the public.
Lake Oswego’s Lakewood, Oldtown, and Foothills neighborhoods surround Lakewood Bay at the eastern edge of Oswego Lake. The eastern shores of the Foothills and Oldtown neighborhoods abut the Willamette River.
Lake Oswego Neighborhood Map
Lake Oswego’s Lakewood, Oldtown, and Foothills neighborhoods surround Lakewood Bay at the northeastern edge of Oswego Lake. The eastern shores of the Foothills and Oldtown neighborhoods abut the Willamette River.
Along the route, near Roehr Park, you’ll see the home of Lake Oswego Community Rowing.
And then a little further on the trail, you may see this. Don’t worry. We watched as they repeatedly jumped from that high deck. Oh to be a kid again. right?
And then you’ll encounter Roehr Park, with it’s three terrace levels of views,
Near the conclusion of this walk you’ll enter Foothills Park. Be sure to read the opening poem by esteemed Oregon Poet, William Stafford.
Later on the walk you’ll be met with tall columns graced with his poetry.
Map
Click Walking Lake Oswego: Oldtown, Lakewood, Foothills, George Rogers Park, Roehr Park, Foothills Park for our online route map. On your computer, bookmark the link and then open it from your iPhone. Open the Legend field to get turn-by-turn directions. you should see Google tracking you (the little blue ball) as you walk.
Distance
About 6 miles.
Time
You’re going to want to wander and gawk. There’s so much to see!. Allow 3-4 hours. Add extra time if you want to enjoy coffee, eats, and shopping in Millennium Park.
Terrain
Flat with gently rolling hills.
Difficulty
Easy. Expect paved trails and walkways, along with several stairways.
Restrooms
Full restroom facilities along the route are in Millennium Park, Sundeleaf Plaza, George Rogers Park, and Foothills Park.
Walking Portland Metro: All Our Maps
Check out our growing list of walks with turn by turn route directions. Get it here.
Portland Metro Walkabouts
The SkyBlue Portland Real Estate Team hosts monthly group walks through some of Portland Metro’s most beautiful and interesting neighborhoods.
For info on our monthly Walking Portland group walks, check out our Facebook page, PDX Women Who Walk (@pdxwomenwhowalk).
And join our monthly meetups: PDX Women Who Walk.
