Riverfront Park is Salem’s premier urban event park, located along the Willamette River and near businesses, restaurants, entertainment, and other parks and trails. The park is also home to several Salem’s annual events, including The World Beat Festival, 4th of July Celebration, Summer Movies in The Park, Holiday Tree Lighting, and many walk/run events. The 26-acres of existing parkland is the result of industrial land conversion. Paper, flour, and woolen mills, as well as a coal gasification plant and an auto junkyard formerly occupied the site. Today, it features large grassy areas, an amphitheater, play equipment, a splash pad, and a covered Rotary Pavilion. A dock provides access to the Willamette River and the Willamette Queen Sternwheeler. Riverfront Park is also home to the Riverfront Carousel A.C. Gilbert Discovery Village and the EcoEarth Globe. It connects to Minto-Brown Island Park by the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bicycle and Pedestrian Bridge and to Wallace Marine Park by the Union Street Railroad Bridge. We will explore this urban park and pass over the bridge into the north part of Minto-Brown Island Park.

Meet at south of the children’s playground next to the carousel. Restroom and picnic facilities are available. Bring water, binoculars, a snack, and dress for the weather. Trails may be uneven so please use appropriate footwear. We will finish by noon. Directions: The park is located at 200 Water Street NE in Salem. Parking is available on-site and nearby.