Champoeg – an Oregon Gem

Just south of Portland, Oregon, is a place where you can walk and bike on multi-use scenic trails along the Willamette River, visit the Pioneer Garden next to the Visitor Center, camp out in your tent or RV for a week or more, and get an ice cream bar at the historic Butteville Store, considered the oldest operating store in Oregon – these are just a few of the things you can do here whether you stay a day or a week.

This place is called Champoeg State Heritage Area and includes a campground as well as a large day-use area.  Dinah and I spent a couple of days here, walking the paths, checking out the pioneer toys in the Visitor Center, and just relaxing in Li’l Homey, snug among the trees.  It was a nice get-away after being so sick for so long.  It’s where my soul continued its journey back to life.  It’s where I began to breathe again.

It’s a great place to camp in the summer – take the whole family, meet up with some friends, get a big ol’ fire going in the fire ring, and make some s’mores.  Just remember to get your reservations for a spot early because it’s a very popular place during the summer!

It’s also a fantastic place to go for the day – hundreds of acres full of trails for hiking and biking, frisbee/disc golf courses, picnic tables and nature.  No reservations required!

Oh, and these days, it’s usually pronounced “sham-POO-ee” (although the Maps app on my phone says something like “cham-peg”) – click here to find out more about the name and the different ways it’s been pronounced over the years.

Go out and have some fun!  Enjoy a little R&R in nature!

I didn’t take very many pictures because it was grey and overcast while we were there but if you want to see more of the park in the summer season, click here.