Outdoor Spotlight: Hiking, Swimming, and the Suspension Bridge at Metzler Park

One of the things I love most about the Estacada area is how many hidden gems there are tucked into the hills and valleys just outside of town. Sure, everyone knows about the big names like Barton Park and Milo McIver. But there is a smaller, quieter park about five miles south that I think deserves just as much attention — Metzler Park on Clear Creek.

Metzler Park has a little bit of everything: a beautiful wooded creek with a swimming hole, miles of peaceful hiking trails, a charming suspension bridge that the kids will love, camping, disc golf, and catch-and-release fishing. It is the kind of place where you can show up for an afternoon hike and end up staying all day. Let me tell you why it is one of my favorite spots to send people who want to get outside without going far.

Getting to Metzler Park

Metzler Park is located at 24526 S. Metzler Park Road, Estacada, Oregon 97023. From downtown Estacada, head south on Highway 211 for about 4 miles, crossing the bridge over the Clackamas River. Turn right onto Tucker Road, go half a mile, then make a sharp left onto Metzler Park Road. Follow that road for about 1.6 miles to the park entrance. The whole drive from town takes about 10 minutes, maybe 15 if you are taking it easy.

The road winds through lovely forested hills as you approach the park, and you will feel the pace of life slow down with every turn. The park is open year-round for day use, with seasonal hours that vary by time of year — typically 7 AM to dusk. The day-use fee is $9 for standard vehicles, same as the other Clackamas County parks.

What makes Metzler Park special

Metzler Park sits along Clear Creek, a beautiful, fast-moving stream that stays cool and clear even in the heat of summer. The park is named after Alice Metzler, a Portland school teacher, and it has that gentle, unpretentious feel of a place that has been loved by local families for generations. It is not flashy, and that is exactly what makes it so wonderful.

What sets Metzler apart from the bigger parks is its intimate scale. The campground is tucked into the trees along the creek. The trails feel like they belong to you, especially on a weekday. And the swimming hole — we will get to that in a moment — is the kind of spot that becomes a family tradition. People who grow up visiting Metzler Park come back with their own kids, and I can see why.

The suspension bridge over Clear Creek

One of the highlights of Metzler Park is the suspension bridge that spans Clear Creek. It is about 30 yards long with a wooden deck about 5 feet wide, and it sways gently as you cross. For the kids, crossing that bridge is a thrill every single time. For adults, it offers a beautiful vantage point to watch the creek rushing below and listen to the water flowing over the rocks.

The bridge connects the main picnic and campground areas to the trail system on the far side of Clear Creek. As you cross, you pass a memorial to Alice Metzler herself — a quiet reminder that this park was created by someone who believed in the value of connecting people with nature.

The swimming hole on Clear Creek

Here is where Metzler Park really shines. About a 0.1-mile walk from the parking area, past the suspension bridge and bearing right along the creek, you will find a wonderful swimming hole on Clear Creek. The water is, true to its name, beautifully clear — that cool, clean Cascade Mountain water that makes you feel refreshed just looking at it.

The swimming hole is family-friendly with shallow areas where kids can wade and deeper spots for swimming. The creek bottom is mostly smooth rock, so water shoes are a good idea, but the swimming is lovely. On a warm August day, there is nothing better than finding a flat rock by the water, dipping your feet in, and listening to the creek tumble through the forest.

Unlike some of the busier swimming spots on the Clackamas River, the swimming hole at Metzler tends to be quieter — especially on weekdays. It has that feel of a secret spot, even though it is well known to locals. That is one of the things I appreciate most about it.

Hiking the trails at Metzler Park

The trail system at Metzler Park covers about 2.5 miles with a few different loops and spurs, all well maintained and clearly marked. The forest here is classic Pacific Northwest — towering Douglas fir, Western red cedar, bigleaf maple, and a dense understory of sword ferns, Oregon grape, and salal.

Camping at Metzler Park

The campground at Metzler Park is one of the nicest in the county system. It has about 75 to 89 campsites, open seasonally from May through September. The mix includes 60 partial-hookup sites (30 and 50 amp electric plus water), 17 tent-only standard sites, and about 15 primitive sites — including 10 walk-in tent sites for a more rustic experience.

Rates range from about $28 for tent sites to $46 for the premium hookup sites. The campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and a playground. There is also a volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pits, a baseball field, and a disc golf course — plenty to keep everyone entertained after the hike. Falling asleep to the sound of Clear Creek rushing past your campsite is a special kind of peace.

Fishing on Clear Creek

For anglers, Clear Creek offers a lovely setting for a quiet afternoon of fishing. The creek holds trout and is managed as catch-and-release only, so bring your barbless hooks and a valid Oregon fishing license. The best spots are along the stretches near the campground and hiking trails, where you can find deep pools and slower sections of the creek.

It is not the kind of fishing where you go home with a stringer full of dinner. It is the kind where you stand in a cool, clear creek surrounded by towering trees and listen to the water while you cast. And honestly, that kind of fishing is my favorite anyway.

Best times to visit

Summer is the prime season at Metzler Park, especially for swimming. Late June through early September offers the warmest weather and the most comfortable swimming conditions. The campground is open and the park is at its most vibrant. Weekdays are significantly quieter than weekends.

Spring brings the creek to life. In April and May, Clear Creek runs high and fast with snowmelt, and the wildflowers along the trails are stunning. The swimming is too cold for most people in spring, but the hiking is excellent.

Fall is a wonderful time to hike at Metzler. The crowds thin out, the bigleaf maples turn gold, and the light takes on that warm autumn quality that makes everything look like a painting. The swimming hole is chilly by October, but the trails are glorious.

Winter is quiet and peaceful. The park is open year-round for day use, and on a clear winter day, the forest is stunning. Just be prepared for mud and slippery trails — good boots are essential.

What to bring

Why Metzler Park is worth the trip

Metzler Park is one of those places that reminds me why I chose to build my life and career in this area. It is not a destination you read about in travel magazines. It is a local park that local people love, and that is exactly what makes it special.

For my clients who are considering a move to Estacada or the surrounding areas, places like Metzler Park are a big part of the appeal. You can live in a small town with a real sense of community and have a spot like this just 10 minutes from your front door. You can take the kids for a swim after work on a summer evening. You can camp within earshot of a creek without driving for hours. That is not something every community offers.

Whether you are a hiker, a swimmer, a camper, an angler, or just someone who needs a quiet afternoon by the water, Metzler Park is waiting for you. And if you are thinking about making this area your home, I would love to show you around — not just the houses, but the places that make this such a wonderful place to live. Places like this one.

Stay tuned for more outdoor spotlights. There are so many incredible spots within a short drive of Estacada, and I have loved sharing this one with you. Talk soon.