Things To Do: Estacada

Estacada is a historic community packed full of things to do. From admiring public art downtown to paddling on the Clackamas River, there is so much to discover. And now, the NEW Estacada Field Guide is here to guide you to hidden gems and fan favorites with lots of fun facts along the way.

Pick up an Estacada Field Guide at one of several locations around town for the ultimate Estacada outing. It's the next-best thing to a local guide, with plenty of local flavor sprinkled throughout. Fun fact: Did you know that Estacada is the Christmas tree capital of the US? No matter the season, the Estacada Field Guide is your pocket-sized passport to fresh local discoveries. And, an added bonus: Fill in the last page of the Field Guide with your favorite parts of your Estacada adventure, and earn a prize! So what are you waiting for? Read on for some inspiration of the many things to do in Estacada, and don't forget to pick up your Field Guide downtown when you arrive.

Downtown

Did you know that you can get to Estacada from Portland car free? There is lots to do within walking distance in downtown Estacada and free parking if you’re driving. Plus, Estacada loves cyclists. Case in point: The bike racks are literally works of art. Visit the Estacada Bike Plaza behind City Hall for water bottle filling station while you tune up your bike. 

As you stroll through downtown, keep an eye out for the 25+ larger-than-life murals decorating a variety of buildings throughout Estacada. The local artist group paints a new mural (or restores one) every year, and if you’re visiting in the summer, you might even see them in action. The Artback Artist Cooperative is made up of talented and dedicated artists in the Estacada community who tell many stories and history by painting or restoring a mural each year. If you’re determined to find all of the murals, stop by the Spiral Gallery to pick up a mural walk brochure and a Visit Estacada Field Guide!

Estacada has many beautiful parks to choose from. Whether it's the river that whets your appetite, the vistas that bring you packing or fun for the kids on the playground, you'll find it at Estacada's parks. Head over to Wade Creek Park and catch the summer concert series or make the most of their skate park, volleyball court or newly restored wetland walking path. Or, just enjoy a Creekside picnic. PGE's Timber Park (about one mile from downtown Estacada) offers even more recreation opportunities, including a disc golf course, playground and picnic area. Clackamas River Outfitters has a Timber Park outpost where you can rent kayaks or paddleboards for a peaceful paddle on Estacada Lake, a dammed portion of the Clackamas River. Both Metzler Park and Milo McIver State Park provide additional options including camping, disc golf, riverside views and more.

Nearby

The adventure continues just a short drive outside of Estacada. For more fun on the water, Blue Sky Rafting offers whitewater rafting trips on the Upper Clackamas River that are perfect, even if it’s your first raft trip. Looking for a more relaxing float? Rent tubes from Clackamas River Outfitters at their outpost in Milo McIver State Park. (Tip: When popular parks get jam-packed in the summer, save yourself the hassle and choose an alternative float). Further upriver, PGE’s Promontory Park provides camping with the neighboring Marina and Market offering a boat launch and pontoon boat rentals so you and your pals can cruise the North Fork Reservoir in style.

Visiting in the fall? Mushroom hunters often strike mycology gold in the areas around Estacada. If you're interested in trying your hand at foraging in the nearby Mt. Hood National Forest, make sure you have the necessary permits and maps. And if you're interested in learning more about local fungi, the Estacada Fungus Association puts on an annual Fungus Festival featuring educational sessions, mushroom themed art and activities for all ages. Not sure you're ready to brave the forests yourself? Keep an eye out for autumn seasonal dishes featuring local mushrooms at many of Estacada's restaurants.

Located in neighboring Eagle Creek, Philip Foster Farm takes visitors back to pioneer days, with interactive exhibits, historic houses of the Foster Family and historic interpreters. This summer they introduced a tour series using Amazon Alexa. You’ll feel right at home as you request, “Alexa, tell me about the Lucy House” and your favorite digital assistant answers, sharing stories from historical records and journals.  

Don’t forget to fill out the Estacada Field Guide as you explore, noting all of your favorite flavors, sights and experiences. Complete your guide and tag @visitestacada or swing by the Visitor Center to earn a prize.