Washington Park: Portland Japanese Garden

Washington Park is in the West Hills, and that hilly terrain affects everything about it, including parking. There is a hike to get from your car to the Japanese Garden.

I can confirm that they have improved the path, smoothing it out and creating some ramps. 

Of course, they also added a shuttle, which will carry you from the parking lot to the top of the hill. This picture is taken from close to the top of the path, so that gives you an idea of the distance. (Obviously the shuttle would have been easier, but apparently we have something to prove.)

A much easier path takes you back down, with accompanying signage that is informative and at times humorous.

I had not been to the Garden since October 2008, and they have made a lot of improvements in the paths and facilities.

Regarding the paths and mobility, I believe most mobility devices should be fine. The grades can still be steep, so that is something to think about. There was a note on the Hours & Admission page about discounts for visitors who cannot view the whole garden due to access issues, so if you have concerns it seems worthwhile to ask.

Of course, things can also get slippery when wet, which it was on our day.

That is a higher than normal water level.

The rain doesn't change it from being beautiful. It is more effort than the Lan Su Chinese Garden, but it also has more variety.

One thing that may have delayed our return was the ridiculous crowds we encountered the last time. At one point it seemed like there were 70 people standing around trying to get a picture of one tree.

As anxious as we are for the pandemic to end, some attractions are enjoyed more easily with visitors spaced out and timed entry. I was also pleased to see a new $10.00 tripod fee; that should help.

Although I would not have gone out of my way to plan it, I am glad that I got to experience the garden with rain, and see that side. Fortunately, in Portland, the odds of that aren't terrible.


https://japanesegarden.org/

Oregon City: Museum of the Oregon Territory

 We really enjoyed our visit to the Museum of the Oregon Territory in Oregon City.

There were a lot of wonderful artifacts, but I was especially moved by the film, Willamette Falls: Where the Future Began. Not only is there a broad view of the importance of the Willamette River in the region's history, and some fascinating footage, but also there was a lot of human feeling. Being able to talk to people who have generations of history here is a great part of that.

I also appreciated the salmon carvings on the benches in the PGE Theater, created by members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.

There was a definite effort to move past only looking at the contributions of white men -- though Oregon City's history has its share, and they are featured -- and to remember that there are other people.

It is hard to resist a doll house, and they have a furnished one of the McLoughlin House that is fun to look at.

There is also a furnished miniature of a plank house.

There are colorful accounts of early crimes and industry history. It turns out that getting into sheep was especially fraught.

One of my favorite things was the Kaegi Pharmacy exhibit. Though the collection focuses on products of the 1930s, the actual pharmacy was a part of Wilsonville until 1989, so included the time when I lived there. Also, I was not previously aware of pharmacy "show globes", but they are right up my alley.

Many of these photos are from permanent exhibits. The current rotating exhibit is "Lines On The Land", focusing on surveying and the establishment of boundaries.

That can include setting up the original territory and land plots, but also things like railroads and power lines.

The exhibit organization and signage was good, but the staff was also helpful and knowledgeable. I was pleased to get some answers about other attractions in the area.

The museum only reopened about a month ago, with a maximum occupancy of 10 and masks required. I thought it worked well.

http://clackamashistory.org/museumoftheoregonterritory

https://www.facebook.com/MOOTCCHS/

Oregon City: Willamette Falls Scenic Viewpoint on the McLoughlin Promenade

You may recall that when we walked the McLoughlin Promenade previously, there had been a part where you could continue walking straight ahead to one end, or descend some stairs, cross a bridge over McLoughlin Boulevard, and then go down more stairs.

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2020/11/oregon-city-mcloughlin-promenade.html

Frankly, it didn't look that promising. However, by crossing the street after trying the Falls View diner, we discovered a scenic viewpoint and this bust of doctor, trader, fort builder, and key figure in the history of Oregon City, John McLoughlin.

Like the Willamette Falls scenic overlook on I-205 Northbound, this has historical markers. 

It also has some information about the importance of the Falls and proposals for it, which we can hope will eventually connect with this segment of the promenade. 

We hope that because the view of the Falls on this side is greatly superior.

Getting a good view of Willamette Falls can be a challenge, so this is good to know.

https://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2020/09/oregon-city-viewing-willamette-falls.html

 

The bust is around McLoughlin and 2nd, conveniently located to the Falls View Tavern, the Highland Stillhouse, and the Museum of the Oregon Territory. Then it looks like the promenade continues to about Hedges Street, past Old Canemah Park.

 

Oregon City: there is always something more to see.

Oregon City: Falls View Tavern

We recently went to check out the Falls View Tavern in Oregon City.

Weather has allowed the outdoor seating area and Beer Garden to re-open, providing some options beyond take-out.

Kitty-cornered from a scenic viewpoint for Willamette Falls, the building dates back 100 years, and is a popular local hangout.

I was impressed with the mustard selection. For those who miss the ketchup variety at the late Raccoon Lodge, this may feel like some compensation.

The food is fine, but it is probably more to the point that the staff is friendly and there is a stage, mister, and fire pit, and dogs are allowed as long as they behave and you clean up after them.

That does make it more of a neighborhood hangout than a destination, but those fill an important need.

 https://thefallsviewtavern.com/