West Linn, OR

One of the Oregon communities we know and serve.

About West Linn, OR

Settlement began in the early 1840s when Robert Moore purchased 1,000 acres from the Wallamut (Willamette) Indians and built a cabin overlooking Willamette Falls, naming his town "Robin's Nest." In 1845 he renamed it Linn City in honor of his friend Dr. Lewis F. Linn.

Linn City was revived in 1868 when the Willamette Transportation Locks Co. began providing passage for shipping around Willamette Falls. The locks operated until the Army Corps of Engineers placed them in non-operational status in 2011.

The City of West Linn was incorporated on August 15, 1913, bringing together Bolton, Sunset, West Oregon City and Willamette Heights; the former town of Willamette joined in 1916. The founders chose the name to honor Moore's pioneer town.

West Linn lies between the Willamette and Tualatin rivers. It is home to the Willamette Falls Neighborhood Historic District and the Willamette River Bridge, designed by engineer Conde McCullough and built in 1922 to connect West Linn and Oregon City.

Why Live in West Linn, OR?

Mary S. Young Park offers about 128 forested acres along the Willamette River, a favorite spot for urban birders, plus an off-leash dog area and reservable picnic shelter.
Cedar Island Park, a 14-acre island in the Willamette River, is reachable on foot from Mary S. Young Park by a floating bridge in spring, summer and fall.
Fields Bridge Park on the Tualatin River includes community gardens, ball fields, basketball courts, walking paths and a playground.
Several city parks have spray parks for summer, including Hammerle Park, Robinwood Park and Tanner Creek Park.
The historic Willamette neighborhood celebrates its river heritage through events like the annual Willamette Living History Tour, led by neighborhood volunteers.

The West Linn, 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 West Linn, OR right now.

Schools in West Linn, OR

West Linn is served by the West Linn-Wilsonville School District, which covers West Linn, Wilsonville and a rural area of Clackamas County with primary, middle and high schools. Confirm school assignment for a specific address with the district.

Local Favorites

Mary S. Young Park (Park): 19900 Willamette Drive, West Linn, OR — A quiet, forested riverfront park with trails, river access, wildlife viewing, athletic fields and an off-leash dog area.
Cedar Island Park (Park): A 14-acre island in the Willamette River reached by a seasonal floating bridge from Mary S. Young Park.
Willamette Park (Park): A multi-use riverfront park adjacent to the Bernert Landing boat ramp, with public art and a kayak locker.
Fields Bridge Park (Park): A 19-acre park on the Tualatin River with community gardens, ball fields, basketball courts and a playground.
Robinwood Park (Park): A 15-acre park with a playground, spray park, skate area, basketball court and walking trails.

Frequently Asked Questions About West Linn, OR

How did West Linn get its name?

Founders named the city to honor Linn City, the pioneer town Robert Moore established and named in 1845 after his friend Dr. Lewis F. Linn.

When was West Linn incorporated?

West Linn was incorporated on August 15, 1913, and the former town of Willamette became part of the city in 1916.

Are the Willamette Falls Locks still operating?

No. The locks were placed in non-operational status by the Army Corps of Engineers in 2011.

What school district serves West Linn?

The West Linn-Wilsonville School District serves West Linn.

What rivers border West Linn?

West Linn lies between the Willamette and Tualatin rivers.