Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail: Canby Depot and Canby Ferry

Back when my sisters and I were exploring Oregon City, we would frequently see markers for the Oregon Mt. Hood Territory Heritage Trail. We saw them again recently in Canby. 

The Heritage Trail is a selection of sites related to Oregon history. It celebrated a 175th anniversary in 2018.

https://www.mthoodterritory.com/heritage-trail

The Canby Depot Museum is home to the Canby Historical Society, and is located in the former rail depot.

It houses several collections, including this interesting assortment of old cameras.

While the staff was not particularly welcoming, the signage is informative, and it is easy to self-guide for what catches your interest.

A telegraph and switchboard remind us that transportation hubs were communication hubs as well.

In many ways, the ferry is in keeping with that tradition as well.

We did not actually visit both on the same day, but when we made it to the Depot, the ferry was represented.

It is only recently that I realized how far apart it can be between bridges on the Willamette. In Portland you have your pick, but once you leave the city you can go for miles with no easy way across the twisting and turning river.

That may be one reason that they keep the ferry, even though it is well-established that running it does not pay, and the service is subsidized. While the sentimental value is strong, there may be a practical value as well.

It is a short ride, but a peaceful one, and one that ties us to the area's past.

The Willamette Valley's history was largely carved by water.

And, perhaps that emphasis on transportation at the Depot Museum makes it appropriate that Canby's other landmark, the Canby Vietnam Memorial, features a helicopter.

Regardless, it is important to remember our past. It is important that it is not done uncritically, but also that it is done.

That makes the "Welcome" sign in the Reference Room very encouraging.

Also, if you are going to hanging out in Canby, and have memories of Thriftway, there is still one in Canby, Cutsforth's Market on 2nd.

Try out the bakery and deli case! Western Family is still gone though.

COVID-19: Masks were being worn in the Depot Museum and Thriftway, and while paying for the ferry. None of them were so crowded as to make maintaining distance difficult.

Accessability: For the ferry you can stay in your vehicle. The Depot Museum and Thriftway were both very navigable, though in the museum especially some turns might be difficult due to small space. It was never a large building and has remained small.

https://www.mthoodterritory.com/heritage-trail

https://www.canbyhistoricalsociety.org/

https://www.clackamas.us/roads/ferry.html

https://www.cutsforths.com/