About Clackamas County

CLACKAMAS COUNTY

In 1843, Clackamas County was named after the Clackamas Indians. Diverse Clackamas County includes large cities, suburbs and small towns. It is also home to natures beauties like the Mount Hood National Forest, Bull Run Watershed and the Molalla, Salmon and Willamette rivers.

Neighborhoods

Clackamas County encompasses all or part of 15 cities and four county urban renewal districts including: Portland, Clackamas, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, Oregon City, Sunnyside, Tualatin, West Linn, Wilsonville, Barlow, Canby, Damascus, Estacada, Gladstone, Happy Valley, Johnson City, Molalla, Rivergrove, Sandy, Barton, Boring, Charbonneau, Colton, Eagle Creek, Marquam, Redland, Wankers Corner, Yoder, Jennings Lodge, Oak Grove, Oatfield, Mount Hood Village, Beavercreek, Stafford, Mulino, and Government Camp.

Industry & Employment

The medical centers in Clackamas County provide jobs for thousands of area residents. The largest hospitals and medical centers in the county are Legacy Meridian Park Hospital, Kaiser Sunnyside Medical Center, and Willamette Falls Hospital. Other major employers in Clackamas County include Hollywood Entertainment, Unified Western Grocers and Affiliated Computer Services.

Transportation

The most popular form of public transportation in Clackamas County is Tri-Met. The availability of Tri-Met defers throughout the county depending on the size of the cities and demand. Like all of the Portland Metro area, Clackamas County utilizes the Portland International Airport for long distance travel.

There are a total of nine different school districts serving the students in Clackamas County: Clackamas Education Service District, David Douglas School District, Evergreen School District, Lake Oswego School District, Multnomah Education School District, North Clackamas Schools, Portland Public Schools and West Linn-Wilsonville School District. There are also several colleges serving residents of Clackamas County including Clackamas Community College, Mount Hood Community College and Portland Community College.

Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Clackamas County is home to some of the most beautiful natural areas in the Pacific Northwest. Recreational opportunities range from neighborhood playgrounds to vast expanses of protected land. Many enjoy day and weekend trips to Mount Hood National Forest. The forest spans over a million acres and features mountains, lakes and streams perfect for outdoor recreation. The North Clackamas Parks and Recreation District oversees 50 different parks and green spaces that stretch from the Clackamas River to the Willamette River.

Residents 55 and older can join the Milwaukie Center which offers recreational and support services ranging from financial planning classes to dances.

Arts & Entertainment

The number of art galleries, theater groups and museums in Clackamas County mean that residents can enjoy big-city entertainment close to home. The Museum of the Oregon Territory has exhibits depicting life for the first Oregon settlers. There are also a number of interesting exhibits at the Mount Hood Cultural Center and Museum. The End of the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center is a not-to-be-missed cultural gem that tells the stories of Oregon Trail pioneers. Purchase tickets to see a performance put on by the Krayon Kids Musical Theater Company featuring performances by children ages five to 17.

Festivals & Events

The annual Clackamas County Fair draws visitors from around the Pacific Northwest. The six-day event includes a parade, village, rodeo, demolition derby, petting zoo, live music, a carnival and concessions. In May, families descend on Clackamas County to take part in the annual Pioneer Family Fun Festival. The event includes a parade, carnival and live entertainment. The Canby Art and Wine Festival is a weekend event that features wine from are vineyards and the work of local artists at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds.