
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