Welcome to Mt. Fir Park and Inspiration Garden

Where Nature’s Wonders Come to Life

Mt. Fir Park and Inspiration Garden offer a peaceful retreat in Independence, blending natural beauty with community charm. The park features open spaces for relaxation, while the Inspiration Garden showcases vibrant plants, themed sections, and educational displays.

Perfect for a leisurely stroll or quiet reflection, this hidden gem highlights the city’s dedication to nature and community connection.

Mt Fir Lumber Mill Downsized

The Inspiration Garden is a 7 1/3-acre demonstration garden developed by the OSU Polk County Master Gardeners (PCMGs) in partnership with the City of Independence. Located within Mt. Fir Park, the garden borders the South Fork of Ash Creek and has an additional entrance from G Street. The city has paved the main path, making the garden accessible to all. Visitors can explore secondary paths to examine plants closely, enjoy the tranquil creek views from benches, birdwatch, converse with Master Gardeners often working on-site, or simply pass through for exercise. Dogs on leashes are welcome, making it a space for everyone to enjoy.

The garden offers a diverse array of features, including specimen trees, pollinator-attracting plants, an oak savannah re-creation, an Asian garden, roses, fruit trees, vegetables, and more. One garden is designed especially for children, featuring spaces to play, explore, and even pick up a book from the little book house. The newest addition is the Peace Garden, located near the G Street entrance, which centers around a special ginkgo tree grown from a seed that survived the bombing of Hiroshima. This tree was gifted to Independence as part of a statewide effort to honor peace and resilience.

The Inspiration Garden is a long-term project of the Polk County chapter of OSU Master Gardeners. Since 2013, members have transformed the southern portion of Mt. Fir Park—originally part of the Mt. Fir Lumber Mill land donated to the city in the 1990s—into a series of beautiful and educational garden areas.

What was once overgrown and neglected has been carefully cleared, enhanced with topsoil, thoughtfully planned, and planted with irrigation to create a space that both beautifies the area and fulfills the Master Gardener mission of educating visitors.

You can read more about the history of the Mt. Fir and Inspiration Garden by visiting the park today!

Mt Fir Lumber Mill Downsized

The Inspiration Garden is a 7 1/3-acre demonstration garden developed by the OSU Polk County Master Gardeners (PCMGs) in partnership with the City of Independence. Located within Mt. Fir Park, the garden borders the South Fork of Ash Creek and has an additional entrance from G Street. The city has paved the main path, making the garden accessible to all. Visitors can explore secondary paths to examine plants closely, enjoy the tranquil creek views from benches, birdwatch, converse with Master Gardeners often working on-site, or simply pass through for exercise. Dogs on leashes are welcome, making it a space for everyone to enjoy.

The garden offers a diverse array of features, including specimen trees, pollinator-attracting plants, an oak savannah re-creation, an Asian garden, roses, fruit trees, vegetables, and more. One garden is designed especially for children, featuring spaces to play, explore, and even pick up a book from the little book house. The newest addition is the Peace Garden, located near the G Street entrance, which centers around a special ginkgo tree grown from a seed that survived the bombing of Hiroshima. This tree was gifted to Independence as part of a statewide effort to honor peace and resilience.

The Inspiration Garden is a long-term project of the Polk County chapter of OSU Master Gardeners. Since 2013, members have transformed the southern portion of Mt. Fir Park—originally part of the Mt. Fir Lumber Mill land donated to the city in the 1990s—into a series of beautiful and educational garden areas.

What was once overgrown and neglected has been carefully cleared, enhanced with topsoil, thoughtfully planned, and planted with irrigation to create a space that both beautifies the area and fulfills the Master Gardener mission of educating visitors.

You can read more about the history of the Mt. Fir and Inspiration Garden by visiting the park today!

Mt. Fir & Inspiration Garden Amenities

Experience The Infrastructure Of Inspiration Garden

An inspiration garden features thoughtfully designed paths, vibrant plant displays, seating areas, and educational elements, creating a space for learning, reflection, and relaxation.

Walking Paths

Stroll through many different paths throughout the garden.

Picnic Tables

Sit and enjoy a lunch in nature with your friends, family, or yourself.

Gardens

Many different species of plants, trees, and more to enjoy.

Nature

Enjoy all that nature has to offer, plants, animals, and more.

ADA Paved Paths

Everyone can enjoy the beautiful natural landscape.

Book House

Read a book while also enjoying natures beauty.

Benches

Sit and take a break on one of the many benches.

Restrooms

Restroom located at the park for you to use.

Mt. Fir & Inspiration Garden Amenities

Experience The Infrastructure Of Inspiration Garden

An inspiration garden features thoughtfully designed paths, vibrant plant displays, seating areas, and educational elements, creating a space for learning, reflection, and relaxation.

Walking Paths

Stroll through many different paths throughout the garden.

Picnic Tables

Sit and enjoy a lunch in nature with your friends, family, or yourself.

Gardens

Many different species of plants, trees, and more to enjoy.

Nature

Enjoy all that nature has to offer, plants, animals, and more.

ADA Paths

Everyone can enjoy the beautiful natural landscape.

Book House

Read a book while also enjoying natures beauty.

Benches

Sit and take a break on one of the many benches.

Restrooms

Restroom located at the park for you to use.

Exploring the Garden

Inspire Your Senses  – Where Beauty and Learning Flourish

Explore a vibrant landscape where Butterfly Havens, Herb Oases, Pollinator Paradises, and Wildflower Meadows come to life. Discover peaceful Serenity Groves, Children’s Discovery Zones, Medical Gardens, and Reflective Water’s Edges in a celebration of nature’s beauty and harmony.

Here are a few of the gardens. Visit to discover even more.

Children’s

Medical

Pollinators

Vegetable

Asian

Mt. Fir & Inspirational Garden

Rules and Regulations

Quiet Hours

Parks are open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk

Pets

Pets must be on a leash and in the care, custody and control of their owners at all times

Stay On Paths

Please stay on designated paths to protect the plants and seeds.

Vehicle

Vehicles must be parked in areas designated for such purpose only

Smoking

No smoking is allowed in campground (other than the City-designated smoking areas)

Alcohol 

No alcoholic beverages allowed in the campground

Trash

Please help keep our parks clean. Ensure all waste is properly disposed of

Damage

Help protect our parks by avoiding damage to plants, wildlife, and facilities, digging holes, ensuring everyone can enjoy them

Mt. Fir & Inspirational Garden

Rules and Regulations

Quiet Hours

Parks are open from 8:00 a.m. to dusk

Pets

Pets must be on a leash and in the care, custody and control of their owners at all times

Stay On Paths

Please stay on designated paths to protect the plants and seeds.

Vehicle

Vehicles must be parked in areas designated for such purpose only

Smoking

No smoking is allowed in campground (other than the City-designated smoking areas)

Alcohol 

No alcoholic beverages allowed in the campground

Trash

Please help keep our parks clean. Ensure all waste is properly disposed of

Damage

Help protect our parks by avoiding damage to plants, wildlife, and facilities, digging holes, ensuring everyone can enjoy them

For your special event

Reserve The Park

Reserving the park for your event is a great way to enjoy its beautiful spaces and amenities for gatherings like picnics, weddings, or community activities. The process is simple—just check availability with us, review the guidelines, and secure a permit.

Water Hook-Ups

Electric Hook-Ups

Use of City Bathrooms

Many Park Area’s to Choose From

For your special event

Reserve The Park

Reserving the park for your event is a great way to enjoy its beautiful spaces and amenities for gatherings like picnics, weddings, or community activities. The process is simple—just check availability with us, review the guidelines, and secure a permit.

Water Hook-Ups

Electric Hook-Ups

Use of City Bathrooms

Many Park Area’s to Choose From

Picture Perfect Location

Park Location

Mt. Fir Park and Inspiration Garden are nestled in a quiet corner of Independence, offering a peaceful escape just minutes from the downtown area. Surrounded by lush greenery, the park and garden provide a serene setting for relaxation and exploration. This hidden gem is easily accessible and showcases the city’s commitment to preserving natural beauty and fostering community connections.

Independence Oregon

799 F St
Independence, OR. 97351

Picture Perfect Location

Park Location

Mt. Fir Park and Inspiration Garden are nestled in a quiet corner of Independence, offering a peaceful escape just minutes from the downtown area. Surrounded by lush greenery, the park and garden provide a serene setting for relaxation and exploration. This hidden gem is easily accessible and showcases the city’s commitment to preserving natural beauty and fostering community connections.

Independence Oregon

799 F St
Independence, OR. 97351