Lake Oswego, OR

One of the Oregon communities we know and serve.

About Lake Oswego, OR

Lake Oswego was founded in 1847, when Albert Alonzo Durham and his wife Miranda secured a donation land claim. Durham named the town Oswego after the city in New York, and the City of Oswego was incorporated in 1910.

Oswego was Oregon's first iron town. In 1867 the Oregon Iron Company built the first charcoal iron smelter on the Pacific coast, and the remains of that furnace still stand in George Rogers Park.

When the iron business failed, the Oregon Iron & Steel Company subdivided its land and marketed it as residential property at a lake resort. Developer Paul Murphy's Oswego Lake Country Club gave the city its unofficial motto, "Live where you play."

In 1960, after part of the Lake Grove community was annexed, residents selected Lake Oswego as the city's new name. The lake itself had been renamed from Sucker Lake to Oswego Lake in 1913.

Why Live in Lake Oswego, OR?

George Rogers Park sits on the Willamette River with a sandy beach, ball fields, picnic shelters and a paved riverside path, plus the historic Oregon Iron Company furnace.
A paved trail links the city's riverfront parks, running from Tryon Cove south through Foothills and Roehr parks.
A self-guided walking tour covers more than 70 pieces of public art, with brochures available from local businesses and Lake Oswego City Hall.
Luscher Farm Park, owned by the city, offers community garden plots, community supported agriculture and camps and classes.
The compact downtown along Lakewood Bay is lined with shops, boutiques, galleries and restaurants.

The Lake Oswego, OR Market

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 Lake Oswego, OR right now.

Schools in Lake Oswego, OR

Lake Oswego is served by the Lake Oswego School District, which includes Lake Oswego High School and Lakeridge High School. Confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.

Local Favorites

George Rogers Park (Park): Lake Oswego's first community park, on the Willamette River at Oswego Creek, with a sandy beach, ball fields, picnic shelters and the historic iron furnace.
Oregon Iron Company Furnace (Historic site): The restored remains of the Oregon Iron Company's blast furnace, with a kiosk on the history of Lake Oswego's iron industry.
Luscher Farm (Farm park): 125 Rosemont Road — A city-owned farm park, once a dairy, with community gardens, a children's garden and agricultural classes and camps.
Foothills Park (Park): A riverfront park on the paved trail that links Lake Oswego's Willamette River parks from Tryon Cove to Roehr Park.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lake Oswego, OR

Is Oswego Lake open to the public?

No. Oswego Lake is owned by the Lake Oswego Corporation, a private corporation of lakefront property owners.

When did Oswego become Lake Oswego?

The city was incorporated as Oswego in 1910. In 1960, after annexing part of Lake Grove, residents chose Lake Oswego as the new name.

Where can I see Lake Oswego's historic iron furnace?

The remains of the Oregon Iron Company furnace stand in George Rogers Park, near the Willamette River.

What school district serves Lake Oswego?

The Lake Oswego School District serves the city, including Lake Oswego High School and Lakeridge High School.

What ZIP codes are in Lake Oswego?

Lake Oswego uses ZIP codes 97034 and 97035.