Vernonia Oregon Mill

A very pretty back road drive from Portland will land you in the small town of Veronia, Oregon. This is one of my favorite places and areas to explore. It is beautiful and peaceful. Towards the end of town there is a park with a pond and a really great abandoned mill.

Vernonia Mill History

The mill opened in 1924 by Oregon American Lumber Company. By 1957 the old growth had all been logged and the mill was shut down. It was one of the largest Mills in Oregon. What is left now is a very large building and other abandoned ruins from what once was.

The Park

The plus side of this great place is that it isn’t just an abandoned building. It is a lake, a trail and just outdoor beauty. It is a great place to just pack and lunch and head out to for a day of fishing or hiking or just enjoying the outdoors. I love coming here and just enjoying the outdoors and I’m not going to lie. While I don’t condone graffiti it is kind of cool to see the changes each trip.

Banks-Vernonia State Trail

Added bonus there is a 21 mile multi use trail that goes from Banks to Veronia and ends up in the park. There are 6 access points and trail-heads at Manning, Buxton, Tophill, Beavercreek as well as Banks and Veronia. There are no fees to use the trail but there may be fees depending where you park. Vernonia Lake does cost $5 to park.

Oh I almost forgot the coolest part. Green Day filmed a music video here last year. As well as a bunch of other awesome places in Oregon Be sure to check it out below.

So this is a double maybe triple fun adventure with history, fishing, hiking and just all around beauty.