View up the Willamette, confluence with the Marys River, Shawala Point (bobcat)

• Hikes to this destination:
  • Corvallis Riverfront Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 44.5561, -123.2616
• Elevation: 215 feet

Description

This area was once a regular summer camp for the Chepenefa (Marys River) band of the Kalapuya. Due to seasonal flooding, early settlers did not build here until the construction of the McCready Brothers Sawmill in 1909. The mill shut down in 1955 and, in 1993, this grassy expanse shaded by cottonwoods became Shawala Point Park, named after William Hartless, a.k.a Shawala, our main source of historical and cultural information about his band, the Chepenefa.

A path that descends past blooming camas to the confluence of the Willamette and Marys Rivers. Looking carefully, you’ll notice that this path was once a road that led to the ferry that once plied the mouth of the Marys. Note also the abundance of poison oak in this area!

More Links

• The River's People (Jessica Thompson)

Contributors

• bobcat (creator)