Mary S Young State Recreation Area
Rate this placeNearby: Mark Lane Tot Lot Cedar Island Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Mary S Young State Recreation Area is a beautiful park located in West Linn, Oregon.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
There are many great reasons to visit the park, including its stunning natural beauty, its many recreational opportunities, and its fascinating history.
Some of the top points of interest in Mary S Young State Recreation Area include the Willamette River, which runs through the park and provides ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other water-based activities. Visitors can also explore the park's many hiking trails, which wind through lush forests and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Other highlights include the park's picnic areas, which are perfect for a family outing, and its playgrounds, which are great for kids of all ages.
One interesting fact about Mary S Young State Recreation Area is that it was named after a local conservationist who worked tirelessly to protect Oregon's natural beauty. Mary S Young was instrumental in the creation of the park, and her legacy lives on through the many visitors who come to enjoy its many attractions.
The best time of year to visit Mary S Young State Recreation Area depends on your interests. If you're looking for warm weather and water-based activities, the summer months are a great time to visit. However, if you prefer cooler temperatures and hiking, the fall and spring can be just as enjoyable.
Overall, Mary S Young State Recreation Area is a wonderful destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Oregon. With its many recreational opportunities, fascinating history, and stunning scenery, it's a true gem of the Pacific Northwest.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Clackamette RV Park
|
||
Barton Park Camping
|
||
Barton Park
|
Mark Lane Tot Lot
Cedar Island Park
Renaissance Open Space
Sahallie Ilahee Park
Burnside Park