Milwaukie and Gladstone: The Milwaukie Museum and Pow-Wow Tree

We visited two more stops on the Oregon Mount Hood Territory Heritage Trail, but I am afraid they were a little underwhelming.

In the case of the Milwaukie Museum, located in the historic George Wise House, that was mainly because it was supposed to be open, and yet it was closed: locked up with no notes or explanation.

As we arrived, other disappointed people were wandering around and giving up, so we were at least encouraged to see so much interest in local history. (Then sad to see others thwarted.)

I will say that the museum does a good job with signage, so for the two items that we could see outside -- the Number 3 Trolley and the old Bernard's Garage wrench sign -- it was easy to get information about them.

I also acknowledge that the Museum's web page is well done, including some interesting walk suggestions.

However, even assuming that everything is volunteer-run, and that things happen, page updates can be a huge help. 

Then, for the Pow-Wow Tree... well, I am just not sure that we have been good stewards for this piece of history.

It is crowded into the side of a driveway. It seems like there might have been some unfortunate trimming, though that the tree is still alive at all at approximately 230 years old is something.

But the historic apple tree in Vancouver got its own park, and it just seems that this tree deserves more space.

Don't be fooled by the different city names. The two sites are only about six miles apart, though the route is surprisingly twisting.

Accessibility: Neither is very good. The parking is not great for the tree if you want to get out, and I saw no evidence of a ramp at the museum. Of course, the closure did shorten our stay, and we have no idea what it is like inside.

COVID: The tree is outside, so should be fine, as was what we saw of the museum. If you can get in the museum, please remember masks and social distancing.

https://milwaukiemuseum.com/

https://oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees/pow-wow-tree/

https://omht.oncell.com/en/heritage-trail-sites-122744.html