Maud Williamson State Recreation Site

Historic Roots

Located in Yamhill County, Oregon near the small town of Wheatland sits Maud Williamson State Recreation Site - a charming 24-acre day-use park. You can find it right at the crossroads of Oregon Routes 221 and 153, directly across from Wheatland Road which leads to the Wheatland Ferry.

This peaceful spot carries quite a bit of history, having once been part of the Adam Matheny Donation Land Claim. Adam was among those brave souls who made the Oregon migration back in 1843. Interestingly, his relative Daniel Matheny made his own mark on local history when he established the first wagon and team ferry on the Willamette River in 1844, operating out of nearby Wheatland.

Natural Beauty

The landscape here is wonderfully flat, sitting right on the edge of the cultivated Willamette Valley farmland. What really makes this place special is its magnificent stand of second-growth Douglas fir trees. These giants create a perfect canopy of shade that makes picnicking here such a pleasure, even on warmer days.

If you happen to visit in early spring, you're in for a treat - the forest floor comes alive with wildflowers, with trilliums stealing the show. There's something genuinely tranquil about this park that just helps you exhale and slow down. Keep your eyes peeled and you might even spot some deer quietly making their way through the grounds.

Park Highlights

One of the more interesting features you'll notice is the historic farmhouse that still stands on the property. This was once home to Maud Williamson herself (the park's namesake) and her brother. It was Maud who generously donated the initial 20 acres back in 1937 as a tribute to her mother.

While camping was once permitted here, nowadays the park is strictly for day use. It's become a favorite spot for picnics, casual nature walks, and simply enjoying a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle.

Picnic Paradise

If you're planning a family gathering or small event, the park offers several covered pavilions that you can reserve ahead of time. One of the nice things about these shelters is that they often give your group a sense of having the park to yourselves, as it rarely gets crowded here.

You can find plenty of picnic tables scattered within the grounds, both under cover and out in the open. Each parking area comes equipped with a BBQ pit, making this spot pretty ideal for everything from family reunions to casual get-togethers with friends.

Recreation Possibilities

The open layout gives you plenty of room to play and relax. The expansive grassy areas provide perfect spaces for playing fetch with your dog, tossing around a frisbee, or simply spreading out a blanket under the magnificent trees for an afternoon of reading or napping.

Here's something unexpected - the park has apparently gained a following among amateur radio enthusiasts who appreciate it as an excellent spot for setting up antennas and making long-distance contacts. The quiet environment and open spaces make it particularly well-suited for this unique hobby.