Where is Milo McIver State Park
Located along the Clackamas River, Milo McIver State Park resides entirely in the state of Oregon. The state park is most well-known for the access to the Clackamas River it provides its visitors. However, the park also contains several hiking trails, a disc golf course, the Clackamas Fish Hatchery, and a campground. The closest city to Milo McIver State Park is Estacada. Milo McIver US State Park is located 202 miles and a three-and-a-half-hour drive south of Seattle, Washington, 149 miles and about a three-hour drive north of Bend, Oregon, and 25 miles and about a forty-five-minute drive south of Portland, Oregon. The park also lies near several other outdoor recreation areas. These areas include Mount Hood, Bonnie Lure State Park, and Mount Jefferson.
How Large is Milo McIver State Park
Milo McIver State Park covers over 500 acres. The park’s geography mainly consists of dense coniferous forests and riparian shores and wetlands. The park contains a large equestrian center that is complete with a warmup area, a mounting block, a teeter-totter, a balance beam, a suspension bridge, and several other obstacles. Milo McIver State Park also contains the tallest Yew tree in the state of Oregon. The park also contains a population of Towsend’s Big-Eared Bats. The species is considered to be sensitive within the state of Oregon and is monitored often within the park for research purposes.
Milo McIver Weather
The weather at Milo McIver State Park varies frequently throughout the year. In the summer, temperatures in the park average between 55- and 85-degrees Fahrenheit. In winter, these temperatures cool considerably and average between 35- and 60-degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest temperatures of the year arrive at the park in June, July, and August, and the coldest temperatures find the park in December and January. On average, Milo McIver State Park receives around 150 days of rain per year. These 150 days of rain accumulate to a yearly average of around 60 inches. Milo McIver State Park also experiences snowfall throughout every year. Snowfall in the park is quite mild but does appear occasionally during the winter months of December, January, and February. The park’s yearly snowfall totals average around two to three inches per year.
When did Milo McIver first Become a State Park
Milo McIver State Park first became a state park in 1968. The park was initially established to offer Oregon residents a picnic site, bank fishing access, and scenic views. The park was named for Milo K. McIver. Mr. McIver served on the Oregon Highway Commission for over twelve years. The man started his career in 1950 and retired in 1962. His oversight led Oregon to lead the nation in highway development and openings during his tenure. Milo McIver State Park is currently maintained and managed by the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.
Things to do in Milo McIver State Park
Visitors arriving at Milo McIver State Park will find a variety of outdoor activities to participate in. Our State Park Visitors Guides details the most popular activities and adventures found in the park below:
Participate in an Interpretive Program
The best way for visitors to become familiar with and learn about Milo McIver State Park is to participate in one of the park’s interpretive programs. These programs discuss a variety of topics including the park’s bat population, the Clackamas River, the park’s history, and the park’s cultural ties. The schedule for these programs is normally listed on the park’s website. These programs are only offered on a rotating schedule when park staff is available to lead them.
Hike a Trail in the Park
Milo McIver State Park contains over 14 miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. These trails take visitors around the shoreline of the Clackamas River and through the park’s acres of forest. The trails at Milo McIver State Park offer hikers with a variety of experience levels something to enjoy. More information regarding trail updates, difficulties, and location can be obtained from the park’s trail map. Visitors will receive a park trail map at the park’s entrance station or can find a digital copy online on the park’s website.
Play a Round of Disc Golf
Milo McIver, in addition to its hiking trails and river access, provides visitors with the opportunity to play a round or two of disc golf. The park’s course contains a variety of holes that challenge even the most experienced of players. The disc golf course is located in the park’s day use area.
Kayak on the Clackamas River
Visitors looking to see the park from a different perspective may wish to paddle down the Clackamas River on a kayak. Individuals can either bring their own kayak to the state park or rent a kayak from Clackamas River Outfitters. The outfitters also contain other supplies and equipment visitors may wish to rent or buy.
Fishing on the Clackamas River
Anglers visiting Milo McIver State Park will rejoice when they learn how good the fishing can be on the Clackamas River and in Estacada Lake. The river and lake are well known for holding large populations of Steelhead salmon, Chinook salmon, and cutthroat trout. Visitors looking to fish within the state park will need to obtain a valid Oregon freshwater fishing license prior to casting their first line. All Oregon fishing regulations also apply within the park.
Wildlife Viewing
Milo McIver State Park hosts a variety of wildlife species. The most notable species that calls the park home is the Towsend’s Long Eared Bat. The species is listed as sensitive within the state of Oregon. The park also contains a variety of other species including woodland mammals, amphibians, and a variety of avian species.
Camping in Milo McIver State Park
The campground at Milo McIver State Park contains 44 campsites equipped with electric and water hookups. Visitors looking to camp within the park can make reservations online through the park’s website and reservation portal. Visitors looking to camp within the park during the summer or on the weekends should make their reservation well in advance if possible.
When to Visit Milo McIver State Park
Milo McIver State Park is open year-round, and visitors can plan a trip to the park throughout the entire year. However, visitors looking to experience all the park has to offer should look to plan their trip for late spring or summer. These seasons bring warm temperatures and extended hours of sunshine that allow visitors to hike, fish, kayak, and observe wildlife all in the same day. Wildlife found in the park is also most active during the spring.
Must Have Items to Bring to Milo McIver State Park
It's no surprise that every trip outdoors requires some packing and planning. A trip to Milo McIver State Park is no exception. List of Parks advises the items listed below should be considered when packing for your trip to the park.
Water & High Energy Snacks
Water is essential for every hiking and camping trip. High energy snacks are also a great item to bring with you on the trail. Snacks like beef jerky, trail mix, and protein bars can do wonders at replenishing energy and providing a needed boost.
Sturdy Hiking Boots
A pair of sturdy hiking boots are essential for a successful trip to Milo McIver State Park. Several of the park’s trails venture over various terrain and can become quite hazardous during rain showers. Visitors should look to invest in a waterproof pair of boots for added comfort and protection. These hiking boots will come in handy when hiking around the Clackamas River.
Lightweight Rain Jacket
A solid lightweight rain jacket should be protective enough to wick away rain and other precipitation, but not overly heavy that it becomes uncomfortably warm. Visitors of Milo McIver State Park should look to purchase a completely waterproof jacket instead of a water resistant one.
Camping Supplies
When packing for any camping trip, creating and using a camping equipment checklist is a helpful practice. A checklist will make sure you don’t forget any necessary equipment when packing for your trip to Milo McIver State Park.
Oregon Wildlife Field Guide
Wildlife enthusiasts looking to visit Milo McIver State Park should bring along a North America or Oregon specific wildlife field guide. The best field guides contain color images and species descriptions that make species identification educational and simple. Visitors interested in the variety of wildflowers that bloom in Milo McIver State Park can also purchase a wildflower specific field guide to aid in identification.
Where to Stay in Milo McIver State Park
Visitors looking to stay within the boundaries of Milo McIver State Park should make a reservation for one of the park’s campsites. These reservations can be made online through the park’s website and reservation portal. Visitors of Milo McIver State Park who would prefer to stay in a hotel will want to check out the various options located in Estacada. Visitors looking for more options or to stay in a larger city can make the drive to Portland or Bend where there are more options.
Food Near Milo McIver State Park
The nearest food to Milo McIver State Park is located in the Estacada. The city is home to a few restaurants, bars, and taverns that may suit a visitor’s taste. However, other nearby food and drink options and a larger culinary scene is waiting for visitors in Portland or Bend, Oregon. These cities are farther away from the state park, but offer an endless list of restaurants, bars, and craft beers.
Airports Near Milo McIver State Park
The closest international airport to Milo McIver State Park is located in Portland. The Portland International Airport is 30 miles and about a forty-five-minute drive away from Milo McIver State Park. Other airports near Milo McIver State Park are located in Eugene, Bend, and Seattle, Washington. The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is located 184 miles and a three-and-a-half-hour drive north of Milo McIver State Park.