When Mila was a wee one, eight months old, we spent a month camping and traveling in Hawaii. While were camping on the Big Island, we met a family from Washington state with a little girl who was 17 months old - River. We hit it off with River and her family right away. Our family friendship that has continued to blossom over the years despite the miles between us and time between visits.

This weekend, River’s family was in the Salem area and our schedules transpired to allow us a couple of hours together on Sunday afternoon. Where should we meet to let the kids play and the adults chat? (there are a family of four now as well!) I busted out a map and noticed that Champoeg State Park is about halfway between Salem and Portland.

The exit for Champoeg off I-5 has caught my eye on countless journeys South (I tend to take note of exits going to parks and the like) but I never ventured there until now. The park is nestled in an area that is rich in farmlands and scenic hills and is bordered by a stunning section of the Willamette River that feels unrelated to the water that divides Portland into two sides.

There is camping, and miles of trails for biking and hiking. The kids ran through meadows filled with grasses and wild flowers and climbed trees along the riverside. It was a refreshing and relaxing escape from the city. Our visit there only scratched the surface of the area but we took note of what the park has to offer for future trips.

Amenities at the park include is camping - tent and RV sites as well as cabins and yurts, access to the river - including a boat launch, a frisbee golf course, and a variety of interpretive programs and elements that celebrate the area’s history.

The area was the site of an Oregon pioneer settlement. There are year round facilities at the park that provide a glimpse into pioneer life: the visitor center, Newell House, and Pioneer Mothers Log Cabin museum. During the summer, the park takes on a living museum element at times with reenactments of pioneer life and other interactive activities and tours.

Needless to say, it is nice to find gems like this that are close to home (especially with the price of gas these days). Champoeg was less than 45 minutes from Portland but a world away. We’ll be back!