Maricara Natural Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Maricara Natural Area is a 61-acre park located in the state of Oregon, USA.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

The park is known for its scenic views of the Willamette River, its diverse flora and fauna, and its wide range of recreational activities.

There are many good reasons to visit Maricara Natural Area. For nature enthusiasts, the park offers a great opportunity to explore the local flora and fauna, with over 90 species of birds, 20 species of mammals, and a variety of aquatic life. The park also features several miles of hiking trails, picnic facilities, and areas for fishing and boating.

One of the main points of interest in Maricara Natural Area is the riverbank, which provides a scenic view of the Willamette River. Visitors can also explore the park's wetlands, which are home to a variety of unique flora and fauna. Additionally, there is a small pond in the park that serves as a popular spot for fishing and wildlife viewing.

Interesting facts about the area include its history as a site for Native American settlements and its role as a critical wildlife habitat. The park is also a popular spot for birdwatching, with sightings of bald eagles, ospreys, and great blue herons.

The best time of year to visit Maricara Natural Area is in the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the park is in full bloom. However, the park is open year-round and offers a unique experience in every season.

Overall, Maricara Natural Area offers a great opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Willamette River. Its diverse wildlife, scenic views, and range of recreational activities make it a must-visit destination for anyone in the area.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
View more

Featured Parks