• Pioneer Park on the Calapooia River offers scenic riverside charm in historic Brownsville
Pioneer Park is located in the small, charming town of Brownsville, on a peaceful bend of the scenic Calapooia River. This beautiful 26-acre park features ball fields, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, a dining pavilion with a kitchen, a covered amphitheater, and a river beach.
Brownsville is the third-oldest town in Oregon, after Astoria and Oregon City. The park area dates back to 1846, when the town was founded, giving Pioneer Park a long and rich history.
Each July, the park hosts the annual Blueberry Pie Eating Contest, celebrating the filming of the classic movie Stand by Me in 1986.
Due to high demand for the dining pavilion and amphitheater during the summer months, the City uses a lottery system for reservations.
Contact the City of Brownsville in November or December to reserve facilities for the following year.
Calapooia River Swimming
The easily accessible 130-foot beach is composed of sand and gravel. The river is generally shallow with slow currents, making it a great spot for children to enjoy the water under parental supervision.
The deepest water is found along the opposite bank of the river. In summer, the water temperature averages around 73°F in July.
Because Pioneer Park offers a long stretch of beach along the river, visitors can often find a quiet spot to relax and sunbathe, even during peak season.
Camping at Pioneer Park in Brownsville
Pioneer Park in Brownsville offers limited seasonal camping in a peaceful riverside setting along the Calapooia River.
The shaded lawns and easy river access make it a pleasant spot for a short stay, especially during community events and summer weekends.
Camping is available on holidays and on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Sites are first-come, first-served, and space is limited, so arriving early is recommended. The campground is best suited for tents and small setups.
Affordable vacation rentals for short and long term stay is available in Brownsville
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Pioneer Park – Calapooia River | Facts
Open: Year-round from 7am until dusk. From November 1st to April 1st, vehicle access is limited
Managed by: City of Brownsville
Amenities: 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
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