Parks · Springfield
The Nation’s Oldest Filbert Orchard, Hiding in Plain Sight
Before it was a park, this was — and still is — a working hazelnut orchard, the oldest commercial filbert orchard in the country, in continuous operation since 1892. More than half the filbert trees grown in the U.S. can trace their roots back to Dorris Ranch nursery stock, which is either a fun fact or a small miracle of one family’s hillside, depending how you look at it.
The property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers more than 4 miles of trails winding through the orchard and along the Middle Fork of the Willamette, with the western trailhead connecting to the paved Middle Fork Path toward Clearwater Park. Free, open daily, dawn to dusk.
Visit Details
Address: 205 Dorris St, Springfield, OR 97477
Phone: (541) 736-4544
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk
Admission: Free
Managed by: Willamalane Park and Recreation District
Programs & tours
Willamalane’s costumed “Living History” interpreter program, which for years brought seasonal costumed tours to the orchard, ended in spring 2025. Public programming is now coordinated through a partnership with Singing Creek Educational Center, a local nonprofit focused primarily on school field trips and special events rather than regular walk-up public tours. If you’re hoping to catch a scheduled program, check Willamalane’s current calendar before you go rather than assuming a seasonal tour will be running.
Frequently asked questions +
Is Dorris Ranch free to visit?
Yes — it’s free and open to the public every day from dawn to dusk.
Are there guided tours?
Willamalane’s seasonal costumed Living History tours ended in spring 2025. Programming is now handled through a partnership with Singing Creek Educational Center, mostly for school groups; check Willamalane’s calendar for any current public events.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes — leashed dogs are welcome. Please bag and pack out solid waste.
How long are the trails?
More than 4 miles of trails wind through the orchard and along the Middle Fork of the Willamette River, with a western trailhead connecting to the paved Middle Fork Path toward Clearwater Park.
What makes this orchard historic?
It’s the oldest continuously operating commercial filbert (hazelnut) orchard in the United States, in operation since 1892, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Details shown here are accurate as of September 2026 and subject to change — verify current conditions and any scheduled programs before your trip.
