Outdoor Spotlight: Disc Golf, Hiking, and River Fun at Milo McIver State Park

In my last outdoor spotlight about North Fork Reservoir, I mentioned that Milo McIver State Park deserves its own feature. Well, here it is. And honestly, calling this place a "park" undersells it. Milo McIver is closer to an outdoor recreation campus — nearly 900 acres along the Clackamas River with something for everyone, whether you throw discs, hike on two legs or four, cast a line, pitch a tent, or just want to sprawl out on a picnic blanket by the river.

Located just 3 miles south of Estacada, Milo McIver is the kind of place where you can show up with no plan and still have a fantastic day. Disc golfers come from all over the Pacific Northwest to play here. Hikers and equestrians share 13 miles of scenic trails along the river and through rolling oak woodlands. Anglers work the Clackamas River for steelhead and salmon. Families fill the picnic shelters on summer weekends. And on a crisp fall morning, you might have the whole place mostly to yourself.

Getting to Milo McIver State Park

Milo McIver State Park is located at 24101 W. Entrance Road, Estacada, Oregon 97023. From downtown Estacada, head south on Highway 224 for about 2 miles, then turn left onto the main park entrance road. The whole drive takes maybe 5 minutes. You will cross the Clackamas River on the park access road, and the view of the river from the bridge is a preview of what is waiting for you.

The park is open daily year-round from dawn to dusk for day use. The campground is open seasonally, typically from mid-May through mid-September. Day-use parking is $10 per vehicle, and an annual Oregon State Parks pass is a great value if you visit regularly.

What makes Milo McIver special

Milo McIver was originally a golf course, and you can still see the bones of that former life in the rolling fairways and wide-open meadows that make up the disc golf course today. Portland General Electric originally owned the land as part of their Clackamas River hydropower operations, and the state took over management in the 1970s. The transformation from manicured golf greens to a natural, multi-use park has been a wonderful thing for this community.

What I love most about Milo McIver is how many different experiences it packs into one park. You can hike a forest trail in the morning, throw discs across open meadows in the afternoon, and fish the river at sunset, all without moving your car. It is the kind of place that rewards repeated visits — every time I go, I discover something I missed before.

Disc golf: a world-class course in our backyard

The headline attraction at Milo McIver is the disc golf course, called Riverbend DGC. And I do not use the word "world-class" lightly — the Riverbend East layout is currently ranked #1 in Oregon and #79 in the world on UDisc's 2026 rankings. It hosts the Beaver State Fling, a Disc Golf Pro Tour Elite Series event that draws top touring professionals from around the country. We have a championship-caliber course literally 5 minutes from Estacada.

The course is actually split into two sections. Riverbend East has 18 holes played across the rolling meadows and through stands of oak and Douglas fir, with significant elevation changes and a mix of wide-open par 4s and technical wooded holes. Riverbend West adds 9 more holes with the full tournament layout reaching 27 holes total. Both sides offer concrete tees, DISCatcher Pro baskets, and cart-friendly paths.

Do not let the pro tournament status intimidate you. The course has multiple tee pads on most holes, so beginners can play from shorter positions while more experienced players step back to the championship tees. I have taken friends who had never thrown a disc in their lives here, and they had a blast just wandering the fairways and enjoying the scenery. The course is dog-friendly too, so bring your four-legged hiking buddy along.

If you are new to disc golf, you can pick up a starter set of discs at most sporting goods stores for around $30. A mid-range disc, a putter, and a driver are all you need to start. The park has plenty of lost-and-found bins near the parking areas, which tells you something about the community here — disc golfers are a friendly bunch who look out for each other.

Hiking and equestrian trails

Milo McIver has about 14 miles of multi-use trails that wind through forest, oak savanna, and along the Clackamas River. The trails are open to hikers and horseback riders, and they offer some of the most varied terrain within an easy drive of Estacada.

The Maple Ridge Trail is a favorite of mine. It climbs gently through a lovely maple and alder forest, with the river audible below you for much of the way. In the fall, the maple leaves turn a brilliant gold, and the trail becomes a tunnel of yellow light. The Maple Ridge and Riverbend Trail combine for a satisfying 3-mile loop that takes about an hour at a moderate pace.

The park is also one of the best equestrian facilities in Clackamas County, with a dedicated horse staging area, training stations, and miles of bridle trails. If you ride, Milo McIver is a gem. The trails are well maintained and clearly marked for both hikers and riders, and the open meadows give horses plenty of room to stretch out.

For a shorter, easier walk, the Riverside Loop follows the Clackamas River for about 1.5 miles. It is mostly flat, family-friendly, and offers excellent river views. This is the trail I recommend to clients who want to get a feel for the park without committing to a big hike.

Fishing and river access

The Clackamas River runs right through Milo McIver, and the park has excellent bank access for anglers. The river here is known for winter steelhead (December through March), spring Chinook salmon (typically April through June), and resident cutthroat and rainbow trout for year-round action. A valid Oregon fishing license is required, and selective gear regulations apply on this stretch of the Clackamas, so check current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife rules before you go.

The boat ramp at Milo McIver provides river access for drift boats, rafts, and kayaks. The Milo to Barton Park run is a popular float — about 5 miles of Class II water that takes 2 to 3 hours at a relaxed pace. It is a wonderful way to experience the Clackamas River canyon from a different perspective.

Camping and picnicking

Milo McIver's campground has 53 sites, including tent sites, full-hookup RV spots, and a few yurts for a more comfortable camping experience. The campground is set back from the river in a peaceful forested area, and the sites are well spaced for privacy. Amenities include restrooms with hot showers, a dump station, and a playground.

The campground is open mid-May through mid-September, and reservations are strongly recommended for summer weekends. It fills up fast, especially with disc golf tournament weekends. If you are planning a trip around the Beaver State Fling (typically in early summer), book your campsite months in advance.

For day visitors, the park has two reservable picnic shelters and plenty of open picnic tables scattered under the trees near the river. The shelters are popular for family reunions, birthday parties, and community gatherings. I have hosted client appreciation events here before, and the combination of river views, open space, and the sound of the river makes it a perfect setting.

The Clackamas Fish Hatchery

Right next to Milo McIver, on the same access road, is the Clackamas Fish Hatchery. Operated by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the hatchery raises Chinook salmon and steelhead for release into the Clackamas River system. The hatchery offers self-guided tours where you can watch fish through viewing windows, learn about the salmon life cycle, and see thousands of young fish in the raceways.

The hatchery is a fascinating stop, especially for kids. The interpretive displays explain how the hatchery supports wild fish populations and how the dam system on the Clackamas River affects salmon migration. It adds an educational layer to a Milo McIver visit that I think is often overlooked.

Best times to visit

Summer is peak season at Milo McIver, with long warm days ideal for disc golf, hiking, and camping. Summer weekends are busy, especially on nice Saturdays when the disc golf course has a tournament or the picnic shelters are full. Weekday summer visits are much quieter.

Spring is fantastic for hiking and fishing. The hills are emerald green, the river runs high and clear, and the steelhead and Chinook runs bring anglers out. April and May offer some of the best hiking weather of the year, with wildflowers blooming in the meadows.

Fall is my personal favorite. The disc golf course plays fast and firm on the dry fairways, the maple and oak foliage turns brilliant shades of gold and orange, and the crowds thin out dramatically. September and October afternoons here are about as good as it gets in Oregon.

Winter at Milo McIver is quiet and raw. The disc golf course gets muddy and plays much longer when the ground is wet, but the trails for hiking are still accessible with good boots. The river runs high, and the fishing for winter steelhead picks up. On a clear frosty morning, the park takes on a stark, beautiful quality that few people experience.

What to bring

Why Milo McIver is worth the trip

Milo McIver State Park is one of those places that makes living in Estacada such a privilege. It is a park that has something for everyone, from world-class disc golf to quiet riverside hikes, from family camping to solo fishing trips. And it is 5 minutes from downtown. You cannot find that kind of access in many communities.

For my clients considering a move to the Estacada area, I always point to parks like Milo McIver as proof of what makes this region special. You can live in a quiet small town with a strong sense of community, and still have a recreation destination of this caliber in your backyard. Whether you throw discs, hike, ride horses, fish, camp, or just want to sit by the river and let the world slow down for a few hours, Milo McIver delivers.

If you have never been, I hope this inspires you to make the short drive south of town and see it for yourself. Grab a few discs, lace up your hiking boots, or just bring a blanket and a book. The river will be there, and so will the peace and quiet that comes with it.

Stay tuned for more outdoor spotlights. There are so many incredible spots around Estacada, and I am having a great time sharing them with you. Talk soon.