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Oregon City

Known as the “End of the Oregon Trail,” Oregon City was literally the last stop for thousands of pioneers who endured the rugged and often deadly Oregon Trail over the Rocky Mountains.

Settled at the convergence of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers, Oregon City is home to great fishing and is the ideal setting for a paper mill. The Willamette Falls waterfall has provided hydraulic power to our mills and even exported electricity to the Portland area since the 1800s.

Oregon City is divided into two sections. The “Hilltop” is located high on a bluff overlooking the Willamette River. The lower section, “Downtown” is next to the Willamette River.

Traveling from the lower to upper sections of the city was challenging in the 1800’s, with only Indian walking trails to trudge, but the pioneer spirit prevailed and in 1915, Oregon City became the home of The Oregon City Municipal Elevator; the first and only “Vertical Street” in North America. Originally constructed of wood and hydraulically powered, the elevator was reconstructed in 1955 of concrete and steel. The 89-foot ride takes about 15 seconds. The elevator is one of only four municipal elevators in the world.

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Oregon City runs three trolleys that transport riders on a tour of points of interest throughout the city, such as the McLoughlin House, the original home of Dr. John McLoughlin. Dr. McLoughlin provided supplies for many of the settlers arriving after their treacherous journey and was instrumental in establishing the city. His home has been carefully preserved and is one of several historic homes in Oregon City that are open to the public.

Oregon City is also home to Clackamas Community College, a fully accredited, full-service community college on a 165-acre campus on the Hilltop.

Oregon City has it all: historic museums and neighborhoods, a full-service community college, plenty of new construction and views of majestic mountains, powerful waterfall, and rivers. Just a short trip from the city of Portland, “The End of the Oregon Trail” is truly a great place to live.