Oregon’s Historic Willamette Valley Picnic Park — 1860s Farmhouse, Douglas-Fir Grove, Spring Trilliums, Volleyball, Horseshoes & Free Day-Use Near Wheatland Ferry
Maud Williamson State Recreation Site is a 24-acre state recreation site in Yamhill County, Oregon, near the Wheatland Ferry on the Willamette River. The site features a historic 1860s farmhouse, a grove of second-growth Douglas-fir trees, spring trillium wildflower displays, a covered picnic shelter (reservable), volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and free admission.
Maud Williamson State Recreation Site is a charming Willamette Valley day-use park with deep roots in Oregon history. The property was donated in 1937 by Maud Williamson, whose family’s 1860s farmhouse still stands on the grounds — one of the oldest surviving structures in Yamhill County. The park’s main draw is its magnificent grove of second-growth Douglas-fir trees, which provide cool, deep shade throughout the summer. In early spring (March–April), the forest floor comes alive with abundant trillium wildflowers — a highlight for wildflower enthusiasts. Recreation facilities include a covered picnic shelter (reservable for group gatherings), volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. The park is day-use only with free admission. Its location near the historic Wheatland Ferry makes it an excellent stop on a Willamette Valley driving tour.
Things to Do
Picnicking
- Covered picnic shelter (reservable for groups)
- Tables scattered throughout grounds
- Shade from Douglas-fir canopy
Recreation
- Volleyball courts
- Horseshoe pits
- Casual walking through grounds
Nature & History
- 1860s Williamson farmhouse
- Douglas-fir grove
- Spring trillium wildflowers (Mar–Apr)
- Wildlife — birds, squirrels
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acreage | 24 acres |
| Type | State Recreation Site — day-use only |
| Location | Yamhill County, OR — near Wheatland Ferry |
| Historic | 1860s Williamson farmhouse |
| Trees | Second-growth Douglas-fir grove |
| Wildflowers | Trilliums (Mar–Apr) |
| Shelter | Covered picnic shelter (reservable) |
| Recreation | Volleyball courts, horseshoe pits |
| Camping | NOT permitted |
| Admission | FREE |
| Coordinates | 45.0965° N, 123.0670° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | ⭐ BEST: Trillium wildflower carpets (Mar–Apr); green-up; birdsong; Wheatland Ferry crossing; mild temperatures | Rain likely; muddy in places; shorter days early spring |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Deep Douglas-fir shade; volleyball/horseshoes; picnic weather; long warm days; Willamette Valley wine touring | Popular weekends; reserve shelter early; warm afternoons |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Fall color; harvest season; mushrooms; quiet; golden light through firs | Rain returns October; shorter days; cooler |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Quiet; evergreen Douglas-fir grove; rain forest atmosphere; moss-covered grounds | Cold and wet; limited daylight; winter storms possible |
Visitor Tips
- Trilliums: Visit in March–April for the stunning trillium wildflower display — the forest floor is carpeted in white blooms.
- Douglas-fir shade: The park’s towering Douglas-fir grove provides welcome shade during hot Willamette Valley summers.
- 1860s farmhouse: The historic Williamson farmhouse is one of the oldest structures in Yamhill County — donated in 1937 by Maud Williamson herself.
- Wheatland Ferry: Combine with a crossing on the historic Wheatland Ferry across the Willamette River — one of Oregon’s last remaining cable ferries.
- Free admission: No fees — park and enjoy.
- Nearby: The Willamette Valley wine region surrounds the park — excellent tasting rooms within 15 minutes in every direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Maud Williamson State Recreation Site in Oregon?
Maud Williamson State Recreation Site is a free, 24-acre day-use park in Yamhill County, Oregon, near the Wheatland Ferry on the Willamette River. The park features a historic 1860s farmhouse, a grove of second-growth Douglas-fir trees, spring trillium wildflower displays, a covered picnic shelter (reservable for groups), volleyball courts, and horseshoe pits. No camping is permitted. The park was donated in 1937 by Maud Williamson. Visit in March–April for spectacular trillium blooms on the forest floor.
Last updated: May 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Willamette Mission State Park (a short drive away) or Bradley State Scenic Viewpoint (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Maud Williamson State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash no longer than 6 feet required in developed park areas
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are allowed on most ocean beaches under direct control; western snowy plover nesting areas restrict pets March 15 - Sept. 15; leash required on the beach at some parks (e.g. Cape Lookout)
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Designated pet-friendly yurts and cabins at many parks (South Beach has 14 pet-friendly yurts, Tugman 8); maximum two dogs and/or cats; $10 per night pet fee
- Pet fees statewide rule
- $10 per night for pet-friendly yurts/cabins; no pet fee for day use or campsites
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Pets prohibited at Dabney SRA, the Trail of Ten Falls at Silver Falls, and Shore Acres; off-leash areas at Stub Stewart, Willamette Mission, Elijah Bristow, Cottonwood Canyon and LaPine
Are dogs allowed at Maud Williamson State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Oregon state parks and on most ocean beaches but must be leashed except in designated off-leash areas. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via stateparks.oregon.gov. More: Oregon state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
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