Places to Visit

Vernonia Pioneer Museum

Vernonia Pioneer Museum includes artifacts found throughout the county. You will see a variety of rocks and other items from the local Native American tribes. In addition, we have logging information, pictures and tools, including other items depicting the life of early settlers in the Nehalem Valley region. Admission is free, so come and enjoy your visit.

Banks – Vernonia State Trail

Take a quiet walk along this old, abandoned, 21-mile railroad path. Listen to the birds, the whispering wind, birds and bubbling streams. There are many entrances to this trail. Enter the trail to walk, bicycle, ride your horse or push a baby buggy. There is no fee to use this trail.

Vernonia Lake

Vernonia Lake was once the mill pond of the Oregon-American Lumber Company. The lake is home to Bass, Crappie, Perch and Bluegill, and is stocked each year with Rainbow Trout. In its day, the Oregon-American Lumber Co. Mill was the largest all-electric lumber mill in the world. In 1957 when it was no longer cost effective to operate the mill it was closed. The mill literally went out in a blaze of glory when the planer shed was burned up as part of the 1961 movie “Ring of Fire” staring David Janssen, Joyce Taylor, Frank Gorshin. Remnants of some of the old buildings can still be seen. If you’re interested in old logging history, the Vernonia Pioneer Museum has more information on the mill and the history of Vernonia. Space is available on a first-come basis.

L.L. Stub Stewart State Park

Just 34 miles West of Portland, campers, hikers, cyclists, and equestrians can spend their days exploring and adventuring across 1,800 acres of rolling hills, forest glades, gleaming streams and wildflowers! End your nature adventure day in a quiet campsite or cozy cabin under the stars. An 18 hole disc golf course winds it’s way through the trees just East of Hilltop, and a 3 hole course can be found near the amphitheater. Buy discs, hiking poles, bike helmets, water bottles, etc. at the Stub Stewart Welcome Center. Bring your horses and enjoy the horse staging area and miles of trails. Campsites and cabin areas have hot showers and flushing toilets for your convenience. Stop by the Discovery Depot where information awaits you on the areas flora, fauna, and the history of park.

Cedar Ridge Retreat & Conference Center

Originally a family farm in the early 1900’s, this property was converted into a basketball camp by 3 innovators, brothers Bob and George Perry and coach Ted Wilson. Larry Steele, a Portland Trailblazer purchased the 28 acre facility in 1991, and he and his wife Britt still own it to this day. Larry opted to expand the function of Cedar Ridge by renting out this property for Youth Camps, Company Picnics, Weddings and receptions, family reunions, meeting facilities, wellness retreats and basic food and lodging. Cedar Ridge is able to accommodate and customize any event you may have ranging from 30 people up to 500 plus. Prices can be offered with both lodging and meals included in the package. They offer a variety of lodging options nestled among the coastal range along the banks of Rock Creek. Amenities and recreation include a 350′ slip and slide, heated pool, 9 hole Frisbee golf course, horseshoes, soccer, basketball, croquet, hiking and horseback trails as well as a low elements challenge course!