Spring Park is a little gem of a park tucked into the suburbs of Milwaukie. The trail through the park leads to Elk Rock Island where you are met by large bedrock beaches. The soreline and island represents part of an ancient volcano that erupted about 40 million years ago. The large, jagged rocks (Waverly Heights basalt) found throughout the island were formed by lava flows, and may be the oldest exposed rock in the Portland area.
The island contains seven distinct habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Across the river, there are high cliffs which are Elk Rock proper. A Native American legend holds that this was a good spot to stampede a herd of elk over the cliff. The island gets its name from being near Elk Rock.
There are several protected places to swim in this area and it also has access to a narrows area of the mainstem Willamette. During higher water, Elk Rock Island is separated from Spring Park by a channel during higher water.
This site is sampled twice monthly from June 1 through October 1 and monthly from October 2- May 30
Keep your distance from other people.
Practicing social distancing is still essential. Only go to the beach if you are able to keep 6 feet or 2 meters away from others. Follow the instructions provided by your local health authorities. If your community has asked that you remain indoors and away from others, do so. Spending a day in any crowded place is the worst thing we can do for our most vulnerable right now and will counter our efforts to curb the virus’s spread.
Spring Park is a little gem of a park tucked into the suburbs of Milwaukie. The trail through the park leads to Elk Rock Island where you are met by large bedrock beaches. The soreline and island represents part of an ancient volcano that erupted about 40 million years ago. The large, jagged rocks (Waverly Heights basalt) found throughout the island were formed by lava flows, and may be the oldest exposed rock in the Portland area.
The island contains seven distinct habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Across the river, there are high cliffs which are Elk Rock proper. A Native American legend holds that this was a good spot to stampede a herd of elk over the cliff. The island gets its name from being near Elk Rock.
There are several protected places to swim in this area and it also has access to a narrows area of the mainstem Willamette. During higher water, Elk Rock Island is separated from Spring Park by a channel during higher water.
This site is sampled twice monthly from June 1 through October 1 and monthly from October 2- May 30
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