Luckiamute Landing Hike

Overview

The Luckiamute Landing State Natural Area is a 600-acre parcel of riparian forest and open fields at the Willamette's confluence with the Luckiamute and Santiam Rivers. In the spring, tall, elegant larkspur bloom in the riverside forest and camas lilies dot the lush meadow near the Willamette. Spring and fall are also good times for a birdwatching foray here. There is a campsite on the Willamette, open to water travelers only. A smaller section of the state park, containing the Luckiamute Wetland Hike, lies about one mile south, right off Buena Vista Road. From the parking area, head into woods on a chip trail that begins on its west side (This is the River Trail). This is oak/maple forest with stinging nettle, blackberry, and lots of blooming larkspur. The trail drops to the bank of the Luckiamute River. Turn back to the parking area. On the other side, a wider chip trail leads across an open area planted with ponderosa pines, Douglas-firs, cottonwoods, grand fir, Oregon ash and western red-cedar. Pass an open field to the left and a line of young cottonwoods on the right. At a junction, go right on the chip trail. The path bends left and is separated from the Willamette River by a dense thicket and a line of tall cottonwoods and maples. At another junction, a spur leads down to the Willamette. Back on the main trail, continue heading downriver. The chip trail ends and the path continues through a thicket of blackberry, horsetails, and nettles. It enters dense riverine woodland of maples, cottonwoods and ash, winding through the forest to the left and coming back out at the wide grassy field that dominates the center of this area. Skirting the grassy field, come to a road track. Head right on this and enter lovely shady woods. Pass a gate, and continue through woods blooming with larkspur. Then pass through a clearing. The track reenters woods and heads left to emerge at an open field blooming with camas, poppies and ox-eye daisies in the spring. Reach a campsite for the Willamette River Greenway and Wate

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