Save Madrone 

The Madrone Wall is not just Boring Lava 

Photo: Jon Yrjanson

This scenic bluff, the only one of its kind in the northern Willamette Valley, offers unparalleled scenic vistas of the lower Clackamas River basin. The spectacular columnar basalt cliff face, part of a three million year old Pliocene epoch Boring lava flow, soars over 100 feet and was exposed over thousands of years by the erosion power of the meandering Clackamas River. Today, this headland is the source of a small, clear tributary stream which supports the threatened world-class salmonid habitat of the nearby Clakamas River, listed as a National Wild and Scenic River.

The Madrone Wall is an unusual rock bluff which over looks the Clackamas River southeast of Portland, Oregon.  This is a remnant of a three million year old Pliocene epoch Boring lava flow.

The bluff’s rock outcroppings were exposed by the erosional power of the Clackamas River thousands of years ago.  This revealed steep faces of light gray and oxidized reddish-brown columnar basalt up to 125 feet high.  This rock outcropping is one of the last undisturbed bluffs of its kind in the northern Willamette Valley and provides striking vistas of the lower Clackamas River basin.  

The exposed rock and surrounding shallow rocky soils create unique habitats for a variety of plant and animal species.  Below the rock outcroppings wetlands and bogs help control erosion and are the headwaters of a small stream that directly feeds the Clackamas River which is listed as a State Wild and Scenic River, only a quarter mile from the site. These  waters support world-class salmon and provide popular recreation activities.

The well-drained soil around the south facing cliff face supports a large and uncommon stand of mature Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii) trees.  Known for its curling reddish-brown outer bark, smooth lime-green inner bark, and thick leathery leaves; this species is rarely found in Northwest Oregon, which is outside of its standard range.  

In a recent vegetation survey of the site, over 100 plant species were identified.  A dense forest of coniferous and deciduous trees is comprised of the Pacific madrone, Douglas-fir, Western red cedar, Big leaf maple, Red alder and Black cottonwood.   Found among the mossy boulders were half a dozen native fern species and a wide variety of wildflowers including bleedingheart, iris, buttercup, Solomon’s seal, trillium, and Oregon grape.  

This diverse environment is well suited habitat for big game species like deer, numerous species of birds, small mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.  Of particular interest is the finding of a  Red-legged frog (Rana aurora) which indicates a clean environment.

Photo: Keith Daellenbach