Lake Oswego
The hilly topography—offering views of the lake, Mount Hood and the Cascade Range—attracted wealthy residents. Flower boxes decorate the compact downtown, nestled along the north shore Lakewood Bay, an arm of the city’s 2.5-mile long namesake lake. Trendy shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants line the streets.
A paved trail links the city’s riverfront parks, from Tryon Cove south through Foothills and Roehr parks. Tryon Creek State Natural Area, bordering the northern edge of the city, is a 670-acre wooded ravine with 8 miles of multiuse trails.
George Rogers Park is on the site of the first iron mill on the West Coast. The mill was founded here in 1866 by the Oregon Iron Co. for its location on the Willamette River and is just below the lake that would become known as Lake Oswego in an area called Oswego Landing. The mill has long since disappeared, but the blast furnace with its Gothic arches and massive stone block walls remains.
Storyboards describe the building of the mill, the production of pig iron and the first Native American inhabitants in this area. The 26-acre park sits on the Willamette River and has a sandy beach for water activities, ball fields and picnic shelters as well as a .25-mile paved walking path that follows the river at an elevated level for great views; phone (503) 697-6500.
Located in a renovated former grade school, the Lakewood Center for the Arts is home to Lakewood Theatre Company, which presents several plays a year. The facility encompasses three theaters including a 220-seat auditorium, an art gallery and music studios; phone (503) 635-3901.
Visitor Centers
Lake Oswego Chamber of Commerce 459 Third St. Lake Oswego, OR 97034. Phone:(503)636-3634