Gladstone may fly under the radar when it comes to cities surrounding Portland, but that only adds to its appeal and charm. Gladstone residents love their city; even as it has grown, it maintains its authentic connection to its small town feel and family friendly identity. The Mainstreet district is filled with locally owned restaurants and shops. It also hosts fun community events throughout the year. Gladstone also benefits from being right at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette rivers. The city takes full advantage of the location with nearly a dozen parks along the river banks offering a wide array of recreational opportunities.
Situated between the Clackamas and Willamette rivers, Gladstone offers a wide range of outdoor activities. In summer, eNRG Kayaking provides peaceful river floats along the Clackamas River, from Cross City Park to Dahl Beach City Park, complete with shuttle services. For year-round scenic views of the Willamette River, Meldrum Bar Park is perfect for picnics and leisurely strolls.
Gladstone Nature Park offers an engaging scavenger hunt where visitors can spot birds, plants and bunnies while learning about the area’s biodiversity. Explore the Butterfly/Pollinator Hill to discover more about these essential creatures and their habitats. Families can also enjoy the bilingual StoryWalk® featuring Water Rolls, Water Rises in both English and Spanish.
For a longer adventure, explore the six-mile Trolley Trail. This multiuse path follows a historic streetcar route between Milwaukie and Gladstone. As a bonus, just outside of Gladstone in the Jennings Lodge community, the Boardman Wetlands Nature Park features a 1,500-foot boardwalk with scenic overlook areas.
Chill out at 808 Cheesecake & Hawaiian Shave Ice or spice things up with classic Indian takeout from Masala Box.
For a cozy cafe experience, visit The Brew, where you can enjoy coffee, sandwiches and community-driven events. Don’t miss Gladstone's Pizza, where scratch-made pies feature signature dough, rich tomato sauce and house-smoked meats, making it a treat for all ages.
Gladstone’s charming main street is a must-see. Stop by Cookie Pot Children’s Consignment Boutique for quality clothes and toys; the shop also donates items to local charities. Gladstone Mercantile offers a unique musical experience with live performances every Sunday and an array of treasures to explore. Bound to Happen, a boutique with local artisanal goods, also offers locally-made herbal remedies and wellness classes.
Just beyond Gladstone’s main street, you can create your own keepsake at Sweet Lomyi Art, the home studio of local artist Jenny Wells. Her diverse classes offer something for everyone, from fused glass Star Wars characters to garden flowers and pet portraits.
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