One of the Oregon communities we know and serve.
Happy Valley was once a small, rural and isolated farming community. It incorporated as a city in 1965, and the first Happy Valley City Council meeting took place on November 17, 1965.
The origin of the name is debated. Local folklore credits boys who drank apple cider before church services at Sunnyside and arrived singing, earning the nickname "the happy boys from the hollow." Historical references suggest the name may instead have been a sales strategy to attract land buyers. The area was earlier known by names including Deardorff Settlement and Deardorff Valley.
Early landmarks still shape the area. In 1908 Frank Ott opened a feed mill on Sunnyside Road, and he and his wife Louise also opened the adjoining Sunnyside Country Store; the buildings still exist. In 1909 the Clackamas Rifle Range opened just south of Mount Talbert, later becoming Camp Withycombe, now home of the Oregon Military Museum.
Local historian Mark Hurlburt of the Clackamas County Historical Society has written a book, Happy Valley Oregon: A Brief History, sold at the City Store at City Hall.
Every neighborhood moves at its own pace. Reach out to Shannon Mesritz | Realtor in OR & WA for a current, no-pressure look at what's happening in Happy Valley, OR right now.
According to the City of Happy Valley, homes in Happy Valley are served by the North Clackamas, Gresham-Barlow and Centennial school districts, depending on the address. Confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.
When did Happy Valley become a city?
Happy Valley incorporated in 1965, and its first City Council meeting was held on November 17, 1965.
How did Happy Valley get its name?
Folklore says local boys who sang loudly at Sunnyside church services after drinking cider were called "the happy boys from the hollow." Historical references suggest the name may have been chosen to help sell land.
Which school districts serve Happy Valley?
The City of Happy Valley lists the North Clackamas, Gresham-Barlow and Centennial school districts as serving Happy Valley homes, depending on the address.
When is the Happy Valley Park splash pad open?
The splash pad runs daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
What ZIP codes are in Happy Valley?
Happy Valley uses ZIP codes 97086 and 97015.