Wonser Woods Estate

FISHING –

Several miles of Clear Creek, a major tributary of the Clackamas River, run through the most beautiful acres of our property at Wonser Woods. It is home to migrating salmon and steelhead virtually year-round. There is also a native population of Cutthroat and Rainbow trout. The chart to the right shows typical salmon migration patterns and the months when runs peak— the best time to schedule a fishing trip or go out salmon watching on the miles of streamside trails that run through the property.

The Clackamas River is just 3 miles from our front door and if you’re looking for bigger water we are just 30 miles from the mighty Columbia where it seems the variety of fish you catch is limited only by your imagination.

If you want to teach your children to fish, Promontory Park on the nearby Clackamas, just 15 minutes away, is the place to go. Small Fry Lake, a one-acre lake within the park, was developed for the exclusive use of young anglers. Kids up to 17 years old can fish for their limit of two fish per day. Anglers of all ages can fish on the 350-acre North Fork Reservoir from shore or rent one of their many boats at the marina. 

Fishing Charters: Contact Fisherman’s Marine store for a list of available guides for a trip down one of our nearby rivers. The Sandy, Clackamas, Willamette, Molalla and Columbia rivers are all within 30 miles of us. 503-557-3313.

Shuttle Service:If you have your own drift boat, our dear friends Brian and Lyn Woodruff will move your vehicle while you are out on the Clackamas from your starting point to your ending point. Call them at 503-631-2395 or send Lyn an email at mhcr5@ccwebster.net. Brian is also skilled at making that special rod you might need on your trip!

SWIMMING

Clear Creek provides the best opportunity for swimming on the property. It is a large fish bearing tributary of the Clackamas River. Take a hike or drive down to our swimming hole and if you are really ambitious you might hike to “K Falls,” a 20’ waterfall in a remote and private corner of our property. More than 1 swimmer has been known to mis-place their suit on a hot August day while bathing in this most beautiful natural shower. We also have a pond on the property where the Wonser children spent part of their youth. Although, water levels decline at the hottest times of the year. Kids may love it just to skip a few rocks or try and catch pollywogs to bring back to mom reclining a few hundreds away at the Inn.

For the more adventuresome, Promontory Park is located on the North Fork Reservoir of the Clackamas River less than 10 miles away. Boat rentals including pontoon boats are available as well as hiking trails and a small store.

HIKING

On our own property there are over 12 miles of hiking trails. We are also surrounded by timber owning nature loving friendly neighbors that share their trails with us. With over 2 miles of Clear Creek and 2 one mile long tributaries on the property finding someplace to walk in peace is as easy stepping out the front door. There are also numerous longer hikes in the nearby Clackamas River basin and at the foot of Mt. Hood less than 50 miles away.

SIGHT SEEING

There are unparalleled opportunities for sightseeing without ever leaving our property. The views of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens, Goat Mountain, Clear Creek, Mt. Adams and the rolling foothills of the Cascade Mountain Range are enough to keep you in awe for years to come. If you care to venture off the property you will find that nearby Estacada is the gateway to one of the most beautiful scenic drives in Oregon. Head up the Clackamas River and travel its entire length through the rolling cascade foothills towering from its river banks. You may end up in Detroit on the way to Bend or Salem or turn off to Timothy or Olallie Lakes before you get there and experience Western Oregon at its finest. Timothy sits just underneath Mt. Hood while Olallie just under Mt. Jefferson and are certainly 2 of the finest gems of the earth. Travel through the Columbia Gorge to see the fish ladder at Bonneville Dam maybe stopping at Bonneville hot springs and Multnomah Falls before heading on to Hood River, home of the kite surfer, and then to Mt. Hood before your return. The Ocean and Highway 101 are just a few hours away as is Bend and Cascade Mountain loop in the other direction. Oregon is the most beautiful state in the America and our property sits in its heart.

RAFTING

Rafting and kayaking are great spring and summertime activities and take place just minutes from our front door. The world renowned Clackamas River is famous for the action of Powerhouse, Carters Bridge, Sling Shot, Hole in the Wall, Toilet Bowl and Bob’s Hole! There is plenty of whitewater separated by restful breaks and calm water all found in the one of the most scenic waterways of the world. You can kayak or raft in the whitewater rivers nearby or choose the open water of the North Fork Reservoir or Timothy and Olallie lakes. Nearby rivers include the Clackamas, Willamette, Sandy, Tualatin and Columbia.

Here are some links to nearby rafting and kayak companies:

• All Star Rafting
• River Drifters
• Blue Sky Rafting
• Oregon River Experiences
• Paddling Guidebook

BIKING

While biking to the property is not advisable due to the very narrow lanes on the 13 miles of Springwater Road that lead to Wonser Woods, mountain biking on the property is an amazing adventure. There are 12 miles of back roads and hills on the property and roads connecting to friendly neighbors paths that add literally hundreds of miles more. The challenging elevation changes are the perfect way to enjoy that mountain bike of yours that has been collecting dust far too long.

GOLF

Springwater Golf course is one of Estacada’s hidden gems. Just 2.8 miles from our front door, Pat and Vicki O’Meara keep one of Clackamas County’s best kept secrets in excellent playing condition year around. Also nearby are Mountain View golf course in Boring, Stone Creek golf club and Oregon City golf course both in Oregon City. Eagle Creek golf course is also nearby.

Play disc golf at nearby Milo McIver State Park year around.