Lake Oswego – West Linn

Located along the banks of the Willamette River south of Portland, Oregon, the suburban cities of Lake Oswego and West Linn were both originally founded in the 1800s when settlers became enamored with the area’s natural beauty. While Lake Oswego humbly began as a mining town, West Linn has roots in the timber industry

Centuries later, families are still drawn to both residential communities in the metropolitan area’s Clackamas County for the schools, businesses, arts and recreation.

SCHOOLS

The Lake Oswego School District is well-known for having some of the best schools in the state of Oregon. Top-rated by the Oregon Department of Education, both the Lake Oswego School District and the West Linn-Wilsonville School District offer area students small classes and challenging educational programs.
 
Located along Highway 43 between the two cities of Lake Oswego and West Linn resides Marylhurst University, a highly ranked liberal arts college offering a variety of customized degree programs continuing adult education courses.

Nearby, in the Southwest Portland area, is Lewis & Clark College, known for its arts and sciences programs and renowned law school.

RECREATION

Naturally, Lake Oswego and West Linn’s close proximity to the Willamette and Clackamas rivers gives residents a chance to take part in water activities like boating, fishing, water-skiing and wakeboarding.

At the heart of Lake Oswego is 4.5-acre Oswego Lake, also providing a multitude of recreational opportunities for area residents. Additionally, the city hosts 600 acres of neighborhood parks, with everything from bike paths and walking trails to a dedicated skate park and wildlife preserve.

Nearby Tryon Creek State Park is the only state park in Oregon situated within a major metropolitan area. With both pedestrian and horse trails, the park itself exudes a peaceful setting, answering the calls of many types of recreators – from hikers and runners to bird watcher’s and horse enthusiasts.

Lake Oswego’s other outdoor recreation activities include the city’s indoor tennis center, golf courses and historic Luscher Farm.

Encompassing 292 acres of West Linn are also a number of neighborhood parks and nature parks that include playgrounds, picnic shelters, sport fields and hiking trails. One of the city’s parks –Mary S. Young Park– runs along the Willamette River and is a favorite among urban birders. The park itself hosts hiking trails and a dog park.

As a result of its commitment to green space, the city has even earned a Tree City USA designation.

ENTERTAINMENT

The city of Lake Oswego is also rich in art and entertainment opportunities. Specifically, the Lakewood Center for the Arts in downtown Lake Oswego hosts art exhibits, concerts and theater performances. Millennium Plaza Park in downtown Lake Oswego is host to a weekly farmers market as well as a wide variety of upscale dining and shopping options.

West Linn’s cultural and entertainment options also abound. The West Linn Community Chorus performs concerts in West Linn and throughout the rest of the Portland metropolitan area. During the summer, West Linn residents also take in live music at Tanner Creek Park and Willamette Park or movies at Mary S. Young Park.