Willamette River means power and play for West Linn
The Willamette River has long played a dynamic role in the suburban city of West Linn. The river’s waterfall is the largest in the Pacific Northwest by volume, and it was used to generate electricity at one of the first hydropower plants in the country. Today, the river is a source of recreation among the city’s population of approximately 26,000 and visitors alike. “[West Linn] is a great place for people who enjoy being outdoors, whether they’re running, riding bikes or boating,” says Kim Bria, the president of the West Linn Chamber of Commerce, who has lived in the city for two decades. “I like Willamette Park, with easy access to kayak the Willamette River.”
While many commute out of the city for work, the Willamette Falls Paper Company—located on the riverfront—is one of West Linn’s major employers. The healthcare, social assistance and education industries employ the most residents of the city.
Stunning waterfalls cascade over rocky terrain near Sunset in West Linn, Oregon.
On the south edge of Sunset sits the Willamette Falls Paper Company.
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Higher home values than Portland and Oregon City
The Willamette neighborhood in the south of the city captures the evolution of architecture in West Linn. Styles range from original Arts and Crafts-era homes that inspired more recent new traditional homes with Craftsman details to the split-level and ranch-style homes from the 1970s that came in between. The riverfront Bolton neighborhood is largely composed of older bungalows and ranch-style homes built by employees of a nearby mill after the middle of the 20th century.
The median home sales price in West Linn hovers just above $772,000, which is higher than that of nearby cities. Across the river, Oregon City has a median of $600,000, while Portland’s median is just over $527,000.
An immaculate Farmhouse Bungalow in the Willamette neighborhood.
Bolton features many three to four bedroom homes and tuck-under garages.
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Third-best school district in Oregon
The West Linn-Wilsonville School District is considered one of the best in the state—Niche grades it an A overall and ranks it No. 3 in Oregon. Nine elementary schools, four middle schools, three high schools and more than 9,000 students make up the district. Overall, the district has a 94% on-time graduation rate—higher than the 81% state average—and more than 80% of graduates chose to pursue a degree path at the A-rated West Linn High School, for which most local teenagers are zoned. In addition to strong core subject programs, the high school offers career and technical education in digital arts, computer programming, journalism and other fields.
Sign and entrance for West Linn High School
Rosemont Ridge Middle School is located in WEst Linn OR.
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Riverfront parks and Camas flower-filled preserve
West Linn has 276 acres of parks and 170 acres of open space, many of which have access to the Willamette and Tualatin rivers. Willamette Park is one of the city’s riverfront green spaces; as such, it has motorized and non-motorized boat launches. It’s also the setting for community events like the January Willamette River Plunge, Movies in the Park and the Old Time Fair, the city’s signature event. Other popular outdoor spots include the 128-acre Mary S. Young Park, with an off-leash dog beach, and the Camassia Nature Preserve, which is overrun by common camas and other wildflowers in April and early May.
Mary S Young State Park Habitat Restoration in Partnership with SOLVE Oregon.
Enjoy the water fountains at Willamette Park in West Linn, Oregon.
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The West Linn Old Town Fair
The Old Town Fair has been part of West Linn’s history for almost 70 years and encompasses a long list of events and attractions: amusement rides, a themed parade, classic car and boat shows, a baseball game and a beer garden, to name a few. Each July, one of the most anticipated parts of the fair may be the pies the Willamette United Methodist Church bakes for the celebration. “People talk about their favorite pies, which the Methodist church has made for years,” Bria says. “Fairgoers really missed the pie the year they didn't have them.”
Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Historic Main Street in West Linn.
Cinco de Mayo Celebration on Historic Main Street in West Linn.
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Historic downtown “where rivers and people meet”
Willamette Falls Drive is the main artery of the city’s historic downtown, often described as “where rivers and people meet” by locals referring to the confluence of the Willamette and Tualatin rivers. The Wednesdays in Willamette Summer Street Market brings local artisans, cideries, wineries and fresh produce stands to the district on Wednesday evenings, and nearby businesses often stay open to accommodate the later crowd. Shopping centers anchored by chains like Walmart and Market of Choice and surrounding dining options can be found along Oregon state Route 43.
Discover local treats and crafts every week at the bustling Historic Willamette Market.
Live music adds to the festive atmosphere at West Linn's Historic Willamette Summer Market.
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Three highway connections to downtown Portland
A system of highways connects West Linn to Portland. Interstate 205 runs through the southern portion of the city, merging with Interstate 5 in the west. Commuters can take I-5 north to downtown Portland, which is less than 20 miles away. Those who live in the northern half of the city can take SR-43 directly to downtown Portland. TriMet services West Linn with bus routes that connect to Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Tigard, Beaverton and downtown Portland.
Falling property crime rates and moderate weather
Property crime in West Linn fell from 570 reports to 509, good for a 10% dip from 2020 to 2023. Violent crime trended upward by slightly over 24% over the same span, with reports increasing from 61 to 76.
West Linn residents enjoy a moderate climate, though, much like Portland, its rainy season lasts from November through March.
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