• Pioneer Park on the Calapooia River is located in the historic town of Brownsville
• Tranquil waters of the river make this location great for swimming
Pioneer Park is located in a small lovely town of Brownsville on the peaceful bend of the scenic Calapooia River. This is an admirable 26-acre setting with ball fields, basketball courts, horseshoes, a playground, a dining pavilion equipped with a kitchen, a covered amphitheater, and a beach. Since Brownsville is the third oldest town in Oregon, after Astoria and Oregon City, Pioneer Park has a long history. The park area was established in 1846 when the town was founded.
Annually in July, the park is the location of the Blueberry Pie Eating Contest which celebrate the filming of the classic movie "Stand By Me" in 1986.
Due to the high demand for the dining pavilion and amphitheater during the summer months, the City implemented a lottery system for reservation. Contact the city of Brownsville in November or December to make a reservation for next year.
Limited camping is available around holidays, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday only. This is a limited amount of camping spots on a first-come, first-served bases.
Swimming
The easily accessible 130-foot beach is composed of sand and gravel. The currents are slow and the river is mostly shallow that makes this location great for children to enjoy water under parenal supervision. The deepest water is found along the opposite bank of the river. The water temperature is warm in the summer (73°F in July).
Because Pioneer Park has a long stretch of the beach along the river, even during peak season, you can find a secluded spot to relax and sunbathe near the tranquil water.
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Pioneer Park – Calapooia River | General Description
Open: Year-round from 7am until dusk. From November 1st to April 1st, vehicle access is limited
Managed by: City of Brownsville
Location: Brownsville
Services: Restrooms, garbage service, picnic sites, drinking water
Activities: Swimming, hiking, fishing, picnicking, camping
Distance from the parking: Short
Road access: Any passenger vehicle
Day-use fees: None
Dogs: Must be on a leash
Popularity: Moderate to high
Accommodations: Limited campground
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay at Brownsville
Elevation: 240 ft (73 m)
Pioneer Park is located:
- 29 miles northeast of Eugene
- 44 miles southeast of Salem.
Swimming hole rating: 3 out of 5
Body of Water: River
Water quality: Good to fair
Current: Light
Depth: Deep and shallow
Beach: Gravel and sand
Water T° (summer): Warm
Adventures Nearby
Directions to Pioneer Park
From I-5,
- Take exit 216 for Highway 228 East
- Turn onto Highway 228 East and drive 3.9 miles to Main Street
- Turn left onto Main Street and continue 0.4 miles to Park Avenue
- Turn left onto Park Avenue, just after the bridge and go 0.2 miles to the destination.
Phone: 541-466-5666