Q: Can I reserve a weekend for a private event? A: We are a family farm, not a commercial venue. We only host events for family, friends and non-profits we our connect with.
Most weekends from June to August are already booked for family and reoccurring events, but a few weekends may be open. Sometimes there are openings midweek or in early spring or late fall.
We do occasionally host larger events, however these event must be covered by their own insurance policy.
Q: How much dose it cost to book time at the pond? A: After much consideration, we have decided we have to start charging a fee for private events to help off set costs. $20 for 2 days midweek (Tue, Wen, Thur) or $50 for a weekend. There is no charge to attend or camp at Public events, such as our annual 4th of July Party.
This fee helps covers supplies and maintenance such as electricity, toilet paper, gravel, barkdust and stocking the pond with fish.
Q: What amenities are available? A: There is plenty of parking. Many areas for tents or RV camping (no hookups). There is drinking water and limited electricity. There are restrooms and a shower. The kitchen has a sink, fridge and BBQ. Covered and outside seating. See Amenities Page for more details.
Q: Can we have a campfire? A: Not during the summer. Because of the wildfire risk, campfires and fireworks are banned in Clackamas County.
Q: Who lives on the farm? A: James Whitmore and his granddaughter, Leah, live on the farm. Patrick Whitmore and his granddaughter, Katie, live across the street. Two other tenets live at the house and on the property in a trailer.
Q: Can I pet the animals at the barn? A: The animals are friendly but the goats will butt and donkey may kick, so please don’t go in the barn unsupervised.
You may feed the animals at the fence, but only these foods: grass, hay, fresh berries, raisins, cranberries, bananas and piece of carrots, pears or apples. No grain or processed human food please.
Q: Can I bring my dog? A: Well socialized dogs are welcome to small events, but dogs are no longer allowed to events with over 30 people.
Keep in mind that there are dogs that live on the property. Also be aware that there are coyotes and big cats in the area. There are doggie bags in green coffee cans by the restrooms and near the sink.
Q: Where do I park? A: Follow the driveway to the left past the red barn. Turn right and park on the lawn on either side of the gravel road.
(Overflow parking in hay field IF grass is short). RVs and overnight campers can park in the back lawn past the restrooms.
Call ahead if you have a large RV. You may move barriers and drive straight past the main house.
Don’t park on the dam or too close to the pond. Do not block the roads, emergency vehicles must be able to pass.
Q: What activities are there? A: Fishing (catch & release), swimming, paddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks, inflatable floaties, magnet fishing*, horse-shoe toss, disk golf*, cornhole toss*, board games*, animal petting*, blackberry picking (in season), flashlight night tag, scavenger hunt*, and for little kids a sandbox and a swing set/play structure.
*available upon request.
The Pond is also a good place to birdwatch, fly drones, metal detecting, team sports and other outdoor activities.
Q: Can I go fishing? A: Yes, the pond is stocked with Trout. Fishing is catch and release only. Please use barbless hooks. Please release the “Grandfather” fish (He’s over 12”, if you catch him. You may catch bullfrogs and tadpoles but please don’t catch the turtles or crayfish (we are trying to re-introduced them).
Q: Did I hear gunshots? A: Don’t worry if you hear shooting. Some of our neighbors enjoy target practice.
The Whitmore Pond Blog 