Milo McIver State Park, North Fork Reservoir, Estacada OR

​     First trip to Milo McIver we went to try out the accessible fishing pier and see the accessible kayak launch.  It was a free fishing day, and apparently free admission as well. Crowds came to float and paddle the river (100º+ temps my phone said).  I went back the next Thursday for supplemental photos, and to check out North Fork Reservoir, Promontory Park, and Estacada, so near to McIver.  It was a more normal day, though still under the COVID cloud, and there were people, but not crowds.
     Milo McIver State Park is along the Clackamas River, which above the dam is called Estacada Lake.  As you drive along Entrance Road, you’ll come to make a choice whether to go toward Riverside to the right or Riverbend to the left.  I suggest at first go toward Riverside (though you should eventually check out Riverbend, too).  It is worth stopping at the Milo McIver Memorial Viewpoint, either coming or going—it really is a great view.  There are picnic tables and a gazebo (which may or may not be accessible, but the path is accessible).  Next, on your left you’ll see the Pet Exercise area, with water and picnic tables, some of which are under a big tree out in the huge field.
    I didn’t check out the Equestrian Staging Area, which doesn’t appear to be accessible.  Nor did I check out the campground.    You can find out more about that at https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=102 , including accessibility and updates on COVID and Wildfire closures.
     To get to the accessible fishing pier and kayak launch, go right to Estacada Lake/boat launch rather than Riverside Day Use area.  It was discouragingly gravel August of 2020, and Aug 15 that year was crammed with vehicles with boat trailers.  On other days it’s not so bad.  There’s an accessible vault toilet by the paved handicapped parking spot, and a paved path down to the excellent fishing pier, and the accessible kayak launch.  The path is steep, so a person in a manual chair will need a helper.  I’m sure the fish were avoiding all the people-commotion when we were trying to lure them onto our hooks.
      You can rent a kayak etc. right by the boat launch and fishing pier.  I felt more secure with a support person behind me going down to the accessible kayak launch.  I wasn’t prepared to try out the launch, but it didn’t exude confidence--looked like it could use some reinforcements.
     Riverside Day Use area has a steep boat launch, picnic tables and a restroom that the brochure says is accessible.  The fish hatchery and visitor center are in the loop, but were closed for COVID when we were there.  Check out the Riverbend Day Use area, and the brochure shows accessible restrooms, as well as picnic shelters, disc golf for those that are able, another boat launch.
     If you go home by way of Springwater Rd, and spent an unsuccessful day fishing, you can take the kids to Indian Springs Trout/Catfish Farm, 17951 S Springwater Rd, Oregon City, OR 97045; phone number 631-2318 posted on their sign.  Presumably area code 503.  I would call ahead rather than drop in, especially with the current uncertain times.
     When the fire danger is past, you can connect with Hwy 224 going south to North Fork Reservoir boat launch.  There’s a cement pier that should work for accessible fishing, the boat launch (of course), a couple vault toilets that are by all signs accessible.  A great sign maps the area, a small beach, a swim area and dock.  It’s a beautiful view getting there, as well as on the spot.
     A bit further down the road on the left, as you go south, is the almost unmarked Culvert swimming area.  It’s a nice little area, but not really accessible.  It had a couple porta potties, parking, areas where able-bodied persons can picnic or just soak in the scenery.  It really is a culvert going under the highway, so you’ll want to keep a sharp eye on kids there.
     Not far beyond, on the right, is Promontory Park.  As you exit you can choose to go right, to the marina and boat launch, kayak rentals and kayak launch (steep for a wheelchair without a helper), accessible fishing pier, fish cleaning area (closed during COVID), C-store, and picnic tables.  Camping, picnicking (including sheltered group picnicking), a playground (closed for COVID), and Small Fry Lake (where kids can catch 2 trout a day) are opposite the marina area.  The restroom is supposed to be accessible.  Across the highway is an RV resort.
     Drive north again on Hwy 224 to the quaint little tourist town of Estacada (2020 pop. est. 3700, Wikipedia says).  There are so many beautiful murals, and plenty of reasons to walk about town.  If you or the kids have had enough of camp food or life, Estacada offers ice cream and other eats & treats.  There’s a bus stop convenient to town-centered City Hall, picnic table on the grounds.  Trimet bus #30 will take you to Estacada from Clackamas Town Center, if you want to take a little day trip adventure without a car.  September of 2020 Estacada had to be evacuated due to wildfire danger.  Updates about wildfires and COVID can be found on the City of Estacada website, as well as all sorts of useful info, including parks, culture, bus from Clackamas and Sandy, and fun videos.  https://www.cityofestacada.org/community/page/feature-videos
     PGE (Portland General Electric) created Timber Park on the river at Estacada, for day use, picnicking, disc golf, fishing, paddling, ball fields, playground, reservable group picnic shelters.  https://www.portlandgeneral.com/corporate-responsibility/environmental-stewardship/water-quality-habitat-protection/parks-campgrounds/timber-park  and the City of Estacada created Estacada Portal rest area at the entrance to Timber Park.
     Spend some time recreating yourself, adventuring further, exploring all there is to do around Milo McIver State Park, North Fork Reservoir, and Estacada.