Luckiamute Landing Hike
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Start point: Luckiamute Landing Trailhead
- End point: Luckiamute Landing Campsite
- Hike type: Loop and in and out
- Distance: 4.0 miles
- Elevation gain: 50 feet
- High point: 180 feet
- Difficulty: Easy
- Seasons: All year
- Family Friendly: Yes
- Backpackable: No
- Crowded: No
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Description
The Luckiamute Landing State Natural Area is a 600-acre parcel of riparian forest and open fields at the Willamette's confluence with the Luckiamute and Santiam Rivers. In the spring, tall, elegant larkspur bloom in the riverside forest and camas lilies dot the lush meadow near the Willamette. Spring and fall are also good times for a birdwatching foray here. There is a campsite on the Willamette, open to water travelers only. A smaller section of the state park, containing the Luckiamute Wetland Hike, lies about one mile south, right off Buena Vista Road.
From the parking area, head into woods on a chip trail that begins on its west side (This is the River Trail). This is oak/maple forest with stinging nettle, blackberry, and lots of blooming larkspur. The trail drops to the bank of the Luckiamute River.
Turn back to the parking area. On the other side, a wider chip trail leads across an open area planted with ponderosa pines, Douglas-firs, cottonwoods, grand fir, Oregon ash and western red-cedar. Pass an open field to the left and a line of young cottonwoods on the right. At a junction, go right on the chip trail. The path bends left and is separated from the Willamette River by a dense thicket and a line of tall cottonwoods and maples. At another junction, a spur leads down to the Willamette. Back on the main trail, continue heading downriver. The chip trail ends and the path continues through a thicket of blackberry, horsetails, and nettles. It enters dense riverine woodland of maples, cottonwoods and ash, winding through the forest to the left and coming back out at the wide grassy field that dominates the center of this area.
Skirting the grassy field, come to a road track. Head right on this and enter lovely shady woods. Pass a gate, and continue through woods blooming with larkspur. Then pass through a clearing. The track reenters woods and heads left to emerge at an open field blooming with camas, poppies and ox-eye daisies in the spring. Reach a campsite for the Willamette River Greenway and Water Trail. There’s also a port-a-potty and access to the Willamette River. A small beach gives vistas across the waters.
Return through the woods and, reaching the open field, head back along the road track. The field is on your left and the road veers left. There’s a planting of ponderosa pines on the right. Pass blackberry thickets and cottonwoods. Finally, reach a gate and the parking area.
Fees, Regulations, etc.
- No fee
- Dogs on leash
- Port-a-potty
- Campsite and port-a-potty at the river
Maps
Trip Reports
- Search Trip Reports for Luckiamute Landing Hike
Related Discussions / Q&A
- Search Trail Q&A for Luckiamute Landing Hike
Guidebooks that cover this hike
- Wild in the Willamette edited by Lorraine Anderson with Abby Phillips Metzger
- The Willamette River Field Guide by Travis Williams
More Links
- Luckiamute Landing State Natural Area (Oregon State Parks)
- Luckiamute State Natural Area Master Plan (Oregon State Parks)
- Luckiamute State Natural Area (Willamette River Initiative)
- "A Hidden Treasure at the Luckiamute State Natural Area" (Itemizer-Observer)
Page Contributors
- bobcat (creator)