• Metzler Park is a secluded place in a short distance from Portland
• Features shallow swimming hole, friendly for families with small children
Located along the banks of Clear Creek, Metzler Park is one of the few locations in a short distance from Portland where you can feel surprisingly secluded. The park provides a variety of opportunities for the best recreation experience including swimming, wading, camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. There is a 2.5-mile natural trail with stops at one of the 20 native plant species.
The swimming hole can be accessed by a 0.1-mile beautiful trail starting at the parking area. You just need to follow the "Swimming Hole" signs. The route runs through a suspension bridge over Clear Creek and then you bear right and walk along the creek. This trail eventually forks directing you to a serene small beach on the creek's bend. This spot is quite different from a lot of other swimming holes in Oregon. It is ideally suited for those looking for an isolated place at the river. The softball field and volleyball courts are available for visitors.
Swagger Creek dumps into Clear Creek. The coho salmon and steelhead spawn at the mouths of Swagger Creek and in Clear Creek in the fall and winter.
Alcoholic beverages and glass bottles are prohibited.
Metzler Park Camping
The RV and tent campground with 75 campsites (60 with water and electric hook-ups) is open from May 1 through September 30. Reservation is required.
Clear Creek – Metzler Park | Facts
Open: Year-round from sunrise to sunset
Managed by: Clackamas County
Location: Metzler County Park
Amenities: Restrooms, garbage service, drinking water, reservable sheltered picnic areas, picnic sites
Activities: Swimming, hiking, fishing, picnicking, softball, volleyball, horseshoe
Distance from the parking: 0.1 miles
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: Yes
Restrictions: Dogs must be on a leash
Elevation: 700 ft (213 m)
Metzler Park is located:
- 5 miles south of Estacada
- 31 miles southeast of Portland
- 51 miles northeast of Salem.
Swimming hole rating: 3 out of 5
Body of Water: Creek
Water quality: Transparent
Current: Light
Depth: Shallow
Beach: Sand and river rocks
Water T° (summer): Cool to warm
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Metzler Park
From the intersection, I-205 and Highway 99 E in Oregon City,
- Drive 13.4 miles on S Redland Road to S Springwater Road
- Turn right onto S Springwater Road and continue 7.4 miles to the park.
Phone: 503-742-4414 (for information and reservation)
Address: 24526 S. Metzler Park Road, Estacada, Oregon 97023
Clackamas County
GPS (Swimming Hole): N 45°13.794' W 122°22.086' | 45.2299, -122.3681