Lebanon: Parks, History and River Landscapes

If you’re looking for a hotel in Lebanon, you can plan your trip around specific interests: city parks and trails, local history, the Santiam River, and golf at Mallard Creek each offer a different focus.

Parks and Trails

Lebanon’s parks include more than 300 acres of maintained parkland, trails and natural areas. They are open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; check information about individual facilities before visiting. Shelters in city parks can be rented year-round and reserved up to twelve months in advance. Since availability may change, check your preferred date ahead of time.

A multipurpose trail begins at the park entrance in River Park. It heads east along the park’s frontage, reaches the main road at the park’s northeast side, and continues into adjacent Gill’s Landing Park. Its route can therefore be described in three steps: start at the park entrance, head east along the park frontage, and continue into the neighboring park.

History of Lebanon

The name Lebanon comes from Jeremiah Ralston, who named the place after the cedars of Lebanon. In late autumn 1847, Ralston stopped his wagon train at the site of present-day Lebanon. These two details highlight different aspects of local history: the place name refers to the cedars of Lebanon, while the wagon train stop dates to late autumn 1847.

Lebanon Pioneer Cemetery in Linn County, Oregon, is the oldest cemetery in Lebanon and contains the graves of many of the city’s early settlers. It was in use from 1850 to 1938 and is considered a representative example of early pioneer cemeteries in Oregon. The single wagon train stop in 1847 and the cemetery’s longer period of use from 1850 to 1938 mark different time spans in the area’s history. The cemetery’s classification as a representative example adds a broader perspective on early pioneer cemeteries in Oregon to the local history.

River, Nature and Recreation

The scenic Santiam River flows directly through Lebanon. From Lebanon, there is access to the forested Willamette National Forest. These locations have different connections to the city: the river flows through it, while the forest is accessible from Lebanon. Golf is available year-round at Mallard Creek, a championship golf course.

Festival and Trip Planning

Lebanon’s annual Strawberry Festival has been held for 100 years and is associated with the world’s largest strawberry shortcake. Check the dates and program before your trip. When choosing dates, keep the different conditions in mind: the park’s opening hours apply to park visits, shelters can be rented year-round, and golf is available year-round; check the festival dates ahead of time.

Discover more destinations: Sweet Home, Mill City, Albany, Scio

Go to the regional travel overview: Linn.