mdi-tent Reserve

Sarah Helmick
State Recreation Site

Near Corvallis, Oregon, United States
mdi-tent Reserve

Sarah Helmick is located 6 miles south of Monmouth off Highway 99W. The small, shady park is situated along the Luckiamute River.

Two picnic areas for groups up to 150 people each can be reserved. Electricity, water, and picnic tables are provided at each site. Big leaf maples provide plenty of shade.

You wouldn't guess just by looking, but this a deeply meaningful place. Sarah Helmick was the first state park established in Oregon. Next time you're there, take a moment to thank the memory of Sarah and her family for their gift.

mdi-alert-outline General advisory
mdi-white-balance-sunny Open for day use year round mdi-cellphone Call for reservations: 800-452-5687
Call for info: 800-551-6949
Call park: 541-619-3134
Current Conditions Directions Feedback

Amenities & Features

History

Acquired between 1922 and 1985, the park — the first state park in Oregon — includes the first land given to the Oregon State Highway Commission for park purposes. Sarah Helmick and her son, James, gave 5.46 acres to the state in 1922. William and Mary Weist gave a small tract in 1948. In 1984 and 1985 Peter and Maryle Larson gave another portion. In addition to these gifts, there were two land purchases including 23.65 acres which were formerly part of the artillery range for Camp Adair used during World War II. The park was named for the donor, Sarah Helmick, who, with her husband, Henry, settled a 640-acre Donation Land Claim on the Luckiamute River in 1846. They had come to Oregon in 1845 over the Oregon Trail from Burlington, Iowa.

Photos