Reservations are open
You can reserve your space over the phone or online at our reservation website.
Reservations are accepted 15 days to nine months in advance. No day-of reservations are available at this time.
Reserve your picnic shelter online
How to make a reservation
Take a look at the information below to see if this area fits your needs. To view availability or reserve a shelter, use our online reservation system. If you have questions or need additional assistance, call 503-665-4995 or email [email protected] to check availability.
Reservable picnic area
Howell Territorial Park has one picnic area available for reservation year-round. Reservations are required for parties of 25 or more.
House Yard and Grove
- located between the Bybee House and the barn
- area accommodates up to 250 people
- includes use of 14 picnic tables seating up to 120
- rental fee – $450
- 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. 8 a.m. to sunset the rest of the year
Facilities
- Water: Located in outside spigots at the northeast corner of the house.
- Electricity: None/limited
- Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available on site.
- Parking: Parking is available in the mowed field. Vehicles are permitted within the fenced-in park area (near the barn) only when loading and unloading. The number of vehicles in this area is limited to two.
Alcohol
Beer and/or wine is allowed in designated areas by permit only. Permits can be purchased online when making a reservation. A minimum of 14 days' notice is required to secure a permit.
Amplified music or public address systems
Amplified noise or music is not permitted. Only acoustic music is allowed.
Catering and amusement providers
You are welcome to have your picnic or event catered or to rent equipment from a professional amusement provider with the required permit. Personal inflatable equipment, and slip and slides are not allowed. Permits can be purchased online when making a reservation. A minimum of 14 days' notice is required to secure a permit. Learn more about caterer and amusement provider guidelines here.
Set-up and clean-up
Peak season rental fees cover an 11-hour period from 8am-7pm. Time for set-up and clean-up must be included in that time. (Set-up includes unloading of food, beverages, tents, tables, chairs, and decorations. Clean-up consists of picking up all litter and trash, and removing all decorations, equipment and supplies).
Sensitivity to wildlife
No pets are allowed. No balloons are allowed. Birdseed and flower petals are allowed; rice is not allowed because it can be fatal to foraging birds and animals.
Care of the park
All gates must be kept closed. Grazing cattle tend to roam. Do not feed or throw anything at cattle in the pastures. Picking fruit in the historically nurtured orchard or flowers from the gardens is not permitted. Horse carriages are only allowed for one drop-off and pick-up (special use permit required). The carriage must stay on the gravel and pavement at all times, and is not allowed to venture onto the grass, garden or open field.
Picnic reservation cancellation and refunds
You will receive a full refund:
- If you cancel your reservation 31 days or more before the reservation.
- If Metro closes the park on the day of the reservation.
You will receive a refund only of paid permit fees if you cancel your reservation 30 days or less before the reserved date.
Rescheduling
You may reschedule your reservation for a $20 change fee, if you do so at least 7 days before your event, depending on site availability. If you cancel after rescheduling, no refund will be given.