Connections at Luckiamute Confluence

A property that has been on the conservation wish-list for decades is now protected forever.

Luckiamute Confluence holds 110 acres of crucial floodplain habitat on the Willamette and Luckiamute Rivers and connects two separated units of state park land at  Luckiamute State Natural Area . The protection and restoration of this property is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for habitat and recreation.

Currently in agricultural production, over half of the property regularly floods, providing quiet, off-channel habitat that is vital for Steelhead, Chinook, and other fish species.

Building on 15 years of active restoration in the state natural area, we will plant a diverse floodplain forest, enhancing habitat connectivity between the Luckiamute and Willamette Rivers, and eventually creating one of the largest intact forests on the mid-Willamette River.

Luckiamute Confluence sits a little over one mile upstream from the confluence of the Santiam, Luckiamute, and Willamette Rivers and contains almost a half mile of river frontage on both the Willamette and Luckiamute.

The places where rivers come together are biologically rich habitats supporting a wide diversity of fish, bird, and other wildlife species. They are also important cultural sites for Indigenous people, and popular fishing, boating, and recreation areas. Luckiamute Confluence now adds to the protection of this confluence area, providing increased fish and wildlife habitat, and increased recreation opportunities.

By creating a physical connection between the two separate units of Luckiamute State Natural Area, we have an opportunity to connect and expand the current trail system. Exploring the forest trails, bird-watching, fishing, and just watching the river roll by are all popular activities at the natural area.

The Willamette river has largely been excluded from its historic floodplain by urban and agricultural development. Floodplain habitats are necessary for healthy river ecosystems, providing quiet refuge and nurseries for fish, birds, amphibians, and other wildlife. They absorb floodwaters, and cool and clean the water that we rely on.

Greenbelt Land Trust has been restoring floodplain habitat on former agricultural land along the Willamette River for over a decade, planting almost half a million native trees and shrubs at  Harkens Lake ,  Horseshoe Lake , and just downstream of Luckiamute Confluence at  Little Willamette . Restoring a diverse riverside forest and letting the river return to its floodplain is key to the future health of the Willamette River ecosystem.

The acquisition of Luckiamute Confluence was made possible by the members and donors of Greenbelt Land Trust. When important conservation properties like this become available, we can move quickly to secure them for nature, for people, and for the future. Healthy, dynamic floodplains are vital to our way of life in the Willamette Valley. They provide clean water for people, reduce the impacts of flooding on our communities, and harbor countless fish and wildlife.

Agricultural operations will continue for the next two years at Luckiamute Confluence as we plan for restoration to begin and work with partners to envision new trail connections and recreational opportunities for all. A big part of that planning is raising the funds to complete the work and realize the incredible potential of this property for nature and for people.

If you'd like to help restore and connect Luckiamute Confluence, please join us!

Access to Luckiamute Confluence is limited to Greenbelt Land Trust tours and events at this time. There is no public access. Stay up to date with current tours and events  HERE .