$659,831Average Value$321Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Former mill suburb features excellent schools, lush nature
Great blue heron nests dot the tree line of Goose Island—the largest rookery of the wading birds in the Portland area—overlooking the Bolton neighborhood of West Linn across the Willamette River. A balanced blend of industry and nature, the suburb that boomed because of a magazine paper mill still features acres and acres of untouched Oregon nature. Though the mill has a fraction of the presence it once did, buyers move to Bolton for homes that back up to dense evergreen forests, top-rated schools, river access and proximity to Portland.
Goose Island—largest Portland heron rookery
Much of Bolton has been left untouched, including the ten acres of Burnside Park. Hikers will find their steps softened by fern, moss and ivy on trails surrounded by greenery so vivid it seems surreal. Trees with gnarled branches covered in velvety moss reach toward trail visitors, many of whom explore the wooded preserve on four paws. The trails meander up and down hills, leading to a winding creek, and eventually, the rocky banks of Willamette River. Burnside Park is connected to seven acres of Maddax Woods, the highlight of which is a viewing platform of Goat Island. The uninhabited island is one of the largest rookeries of great blue herons in the Portland area, and nature enthusiasts can watch the graceful creatures build their elevated nests from a safe, respectful distance across the river. Hammerle Park may be a friendlier spot for small children, with a splash park, a playground, baseball diamonds, horseshoe pits and pickleball courts.
Great blue heron nests dot the tree line of Goose Island which sits in the Willamette river.
Cedar Island in accessable by a Foot Bridge when River Levels drop in the Summer.
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Lighting of Maddax Woods—a Christmas tradition
Visitors flock to Maddax Woods before great-blue-heron-watching season for another reason—the Lighting of Maddax Woods in late November and December. Every winter dusk, hundreds of lights illuminate the woods with holiday cheer, a tradition that was started in 1999. Children can search for “creatures of the woods,” small cut-outs of native wildlife, in the twinkling forest, while parents relish their kids’ excitement.
Top-of-class education in West Linn
Local children attend Bolton Primary School, which was built so that local families could enjoy a shorter, more walkable route to their elementary school. “Everything is within walking distance,” says Molly Macom, who grew up in Bolton and works as the principal broker and owner of Westlake Properties. After Bolton Primary, local children attend Rosemont Ridge Middle School, both schools receiving an A-minus from Niche.
Students join other local teenagers at A-rated West Linn High School, which Niche recognized as the sixth best public high school in Oregon. With 27 Advanced Placement courses and career and technical education programs centered around the digital arts, engineering technology, environmental science, journalism and technical theatre to choose from, it’s no surprise that 80% of 2023 graduates chose to pursue a degree at a two- or four-year college. The school values biliteracy as well, offering a dual language track in Spanish, as well as languages less frequently taught in American public schools, like Chinese and Japanese.
Bolton Primary School is a public pre-K & elementary school in WEst Linn OR.
West Linn High School is a public high school serving West Linn OR.
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One-level homes built for mill workers
Bolton is one of the most historical areas of town, with the vertical streets intersecting Buck Street that bear the names of the early settling families as evidence. “This was one of the first neighborhoods in West Linn,” Macom says. But while Bolton may be 130 years old, the neighborhood didn’t hit its stride until 1947, when the Crown-Zellerbach Paper Mill discovered a new way to make magazine paper in 1947. Mill workers constructed ranch-style homes and bungalows close by. “People who worked at the mill wanted to live near work,” Macom says. Homes with three bedrooms built before the mill’s heyday usually cost between $450,000 and $550,000, while those with three to four bedrooms and tuck-under garages constructed after the turn of the 20th century lean towards the $600,000 to $800,000 range.
West Linn was originally built for mill works with many modest sized homes.
Older homes with three bedrooms built usually cost between $450,000 and $550,000.
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It's five o'clock at Five-O-Three
Bolton business is concentrated in West Linn Central Village. Mostly, shoppers come to the center for their grocery needs, which they replenish at the upscale Market of Choice. Across the street, shoppers will find a nail and a lash tech, as well as a hair salon. For a treat after a day of errands—or self-care appointments—residents can peruse the lengthy craft cocktail menu at Five-O-Three. Patrons enjoy artfully prepared dishes like beef bourguignon or seared dayboat scallops with artichoke risotto and leeks in comfortably broken-in booths under colorful, abstract artwork. For a lighter meal, Sushi Hurray offers everything from simple nigiri sushi to complex and flavorful rolls on a conveyor belt. Macom says parents in Bolton often send their children to Central Village without any supervision because they trust their neighbors and appreciate the fact that their city was named one of the safest places in Oregon.
Grocery shoppers in Bolton shop at the upscale Market of Choice.
Residents can peruse the lengthy craft cocktail menu at Five-O-Three.
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Willamette Drive, connection to I-205 and Portland
Willamette Drive, also known as Route 43, is one of the main thoroughfares of Bolton, traversing it from north to south. The road passes Hammerle Park and the West Linn Central Village before it connects to Interstate 205 at the very south of the neighborhood. The road leads to Portland proper in the north, bringing commuters to work in around half an hour.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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On average, homes in Bolton, West Linn sell after 67 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Bolton, West Linn over the last 12 months is $556,000, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Hard to find PRIMARY ON THE MAIN with beautiful private backyard! This stunning modern home was built in 2024, by Street of Dreams home builder, The Portlock Company. The floor plan blends high-end design with thoughtful livability. Just one year old and impeccably maintained, the home features 10’ ceilings on the main level and a dramatic great room open to above, filling the space with natural
Aaron MoomawCascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty
Live tucked in the trees and minutes from the river!Welcome to your West Linn retreat, nestled in the quiet, wooded Bolton neighborhood and just 5 minutes from the Willamette River, Cedaroak Boat Ramp, and Mary S. Young Park! This beautifully updated split-level home blends natural serenity with modern comfort across nearly 2,000 sqft of living space.You’ll love the remodeled kitchen and
Original West Linn neighborhood bungalow that's beautifully updated while maintaining the integrity of the original vintage charm! Move-in ready. Two tax lots included, totaling over 7,800sqft of property! Large backyard with fruit tree, beautiful manicured lawn and landscaping. Multiple patio/deck areas for entertaining. Alleyway access with large fence gate to property. Two off-street parking
Nestled in the quiet Bolton neighborhood with tree-lined street, this beautiful home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. With four spacious bedrooms plus a dedicated office, there's room for work, rest, and play. High ceilings and abundant natural light create an airy, welcoming atmosphere throughout. Surrounded by nature, yet just minutes from shopping, dining, schools, and
Corey RudolphCascade Hasson Sotheby's International Realty
Step into a piece of history with this charming, 1929 home situated in the heart of West Linn just minutes from West Linn High School. This timeless residence blends vintage charm with modern comforts, original hardwood floors, and a picturesque fireplace creating a warm, inviting ambiance. Set against the backdrop of a large, landscaped wrap-around yard and just minutes from the Willamette
Melanie ChurillaKeller Williams Realty Portland Premiere
Recently updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in a quiet West Linn neighborhood. Located just minutes from West Linn High School, Rosemont Ridge Middle School, and several parks.Details:New flooring and fresh interior paint throughoutBright, open layout with good natural lightTwo large bedrooms with ample closet spacePrivate yard area with mature treesWalking distance
Recently updated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in a quiet West Linn neighborhood. Located just minutes from West Linn High School, Rosemont Ridge Middle School, and several parks.Details:New flooring and fresh interior paint throughoutBright, open layout with good natural lightTwo large bedrooms with ample closet spacePrivate yard area with mature treesWalking distance
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