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Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat

Riverfront cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat

Welcome to Riverfront Cottage
Property grounds
Property grounds
Miscellaneous
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 4425 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
West Linn, OR
  • Place, Willamette River
    ‪16 min walk‬
  • Place, Oregon City Municipal Elevator
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Place, Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Airport, Portland, OR (PDX-Portland Intl.)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

️ The Nest (Bedroom)

1 Double Bed

️ The River Room (Living Room)

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

The Bath House (Bathroom)

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat

Rates vary by season and length of stay. Final pricing is displayed when dates are selected.

Tucked along the banks of the Willamette River, this thoughtfully restored riverfront cottage is designed for guests who value calm, comfort, and small, meaningful details. Set on a private, wooded property beside Maddox Woods Park, the cottage offers a rare blend of nature immersion and easy access to nearby neighborhoods, trails, and Portland beyond.

Inside, the space is warm, light-filled, and intentionally appointed. Large windows frame river and garden views, while comfortable seating and a decorative flame fireplace create an inviting place to unwind after a day outdoors. The cottage is fully private, with its own entrance, dedicated parking, and quiet separation from the main residence.

The kitchen is designed for real use, whether you’re preparing a simple breakfast or a relaxed evening meal. Guests will find coordinated dinnerware and glassware, full service for eight, quality cookware, and a wide range of coffee and tea options—including a premium Ninja drip machine, stovetop moka espresso maker, French press, pour-over setup, and a hand-crank grinder for whole-bean lovers. Indoor dining seats four comfortably, with additional outdoor dining options near the river and beneath a large umbrella for shaded meals. A curated picnic basket is also available for river days, hikes, coastal drives, or wine country excursions.

The bedroom offers a restful retreat with direct access to the full bathroom. Sleep comfort is highly personalized here: a curated “pillow bar” allows guests to choose from thirteen pillow styles, paired with multiple blanket options from lightweight to cozy. The bathroom is stocked with high-quality, non-allergenic liquid bath gel, Nexxus shampoo and conditioner, plush towels, and a Dyson hair dryer with hair straightener.

For work or extended stays, the cottage includes exceptionally fast fiber internet (up to 2 Gbps), indoor and outdoor Wi-Fi coverage across the grounds, and a wired Ethernet option. A height-adjustable standing desk, ergonomic Herman Miller chair, and optional printer access make the space genuinely work-friendly without feeling like an office.

Outdoors, guests can enjoy river access, garden paths, a fire pit, and nearby parkland that connects directly to local trails and a kayak launch. Wildlife sightings are common, from songbirds in the morning to deer in the evening. Kayak and canoe rentals are available close by, and the surrounding area offers hiking, local vineyards, charming neighborhoods, and easy access to downtown Portland.

Whether you’re planning a quiet solo retreat, a romantic getaway, or a nature-forward stay with thoughtful comforts, this riverfront cottage is designed to feel both restorative and personal—never generic, never rushed, and always welcoming.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Children are welcome but the property is located d
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Events

Events allowed
Small, relaxed gatherings of family or friends (fe
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
One well-behaved dog is welcome at the Cottage. A
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking or vaping of any kind is per
House Rules — Riverfront Cottage Riverfront Cottage is a thoughtfully cared-for home. We welcome you as guests and simply ask that you treat the cott
No parties or large gatherings. Day visitors are welcome with advance notice and must park on the street.
Parking for one vehicle in the driveway. Additional vehicles must be requested in advance and park on the street. Recycling and compost are required;

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Small, relaxed gatherings of family or friends (fe
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Property # 3672833

We should mention

A car is not required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

West Linn

Located on a river, this cottage is in Bolton, a neighborhood in West Linn. Aladdin Theater and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry are cultural highlights, and travelers looking to shop may want to visit Washington Square Mall and Oregon City Shopping Center. Traveling with kids? Make time for Oregon Zoo, or check out an event or a game at Moda Center. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
West Linn, OR

What's nearby

  • Willamette River - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Oregon City Municipal Elevator - 3 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Clackamas County Circuit Courthouse - 4 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Barclay House - 4 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Atkinson Memorial Church - 4 min drive - 2.0 km

Getting around

  • Oregon City Station - 11 min drive
  • Clackamas Town Center Transit Center - 11 min drive
  • Portland International Airport (PDX) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Dutch Bros Coffee - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Corner 14 - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat?

As of Dec 24, 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat on Jan 11, 2026 start from $193.47, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Blue Heron Sanctuary · Private Riverfront Cottage Retreat located?

This family-friendly West Linn cottage is located on a river, within 3 mi (5 km) of Oregon City Municipal Elevator, Oregon City Shopping Center and Clackamas River. Willamette River and Oregon Golf Club are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 14 out of 16 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 16 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 16 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 16 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

9.6/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Cameron

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Super easy check in. Cool unique place. Beautiful area
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Vicky B.

Great Location

Loved the location. Pet Friendly. Bed was comfortable.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amy K.

Amazingly great hospitality in a lovely and peaceful setting.

Friendly and personal, quirky and fun, and a host who is accommodating and immediately responsive, and a super nice person, too! This was a great experience for us, and will be again!
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Brian J.

Loved the location.

Great trail out of the Blue Heron sanctuary which leads to the water. Next to that trail, is a trail up to the shops. The street is also a nice option. The hosts were fabulous. The river is relaxing. Highly recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was short, but lovely. It's a very cute place and well planned out. We enjoyed the music and thoughtful little notes here and there...and I didn't even know there were so many ways to potentially make coffee. Lol. It was very comfortable and quiet. I would stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sandi

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
I loved the music theme and the view
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

James S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host (Kristin) was absolutely amazing!! My parents showed up early, and Kristin was there to let them in early and show them everything about the house. My parents then suffered an emergency with their dog and Kristin was extremely accommodating... going way above and beyond! I cannot praise Kristin enough! I would recommend this VRBO to everyone!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Perry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean and cozy

Surrounded by green, view of the river, quiet street. Very nice.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey G.

Love Love Love!!

We've stayed here numerous times and always enjoy ourselves. The view is awesome! The Host Rocks! The pups love the walking trail that basically starts right at the driveway. Highly recommend.

10/10 Excellent

Primed P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Special Waterfront Experience

The hosts home is directly next door and was so glad it was. If we needed anything reasonable they would have been there for us and made it gently known they were focused on making our stay comforting and well addressed. Absolutely will rebook in the future
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Robert

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, communication
Kristin was very helpful and accommodating. Thank you.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Sharon H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Oregon Adventure

Overall, a very nice little place. Was much smaller than it appeared on the listing and a bit cramped with all the furniture in it, yet it met all of our needs for staying while we explored Oregon. The Blue Heron sanctuary was quite fascinating to listen to and we enjoyed hearing & watching the Eagle as well :) A lovely area! Communication with the owner was prompt and thorough and they even left us some information about the various areas we could explore being in Oregon for the first time. :)
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kyle C.

Just fine

The space was tight but it was good for two people. Nice that the bedroom had a door. The pull out bed from the couch was terrible. The views were wonderful but a little sketchy going down closer to the water.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shireen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Magical place

The cottage is magical and exactly what we needed! Nestled in a beautiful neighborhood it is a serene getaway with everything you need to get away from it all. Kristin provided us with all the water toys we needed to spend a day on the river and even made sure they were gently cleared of spiders for my friend. She even loaned us a cooler for the board. The house itself is well appointed and comfortable. The warmth and care that Kristin brought really put our experience over the top to a beautiful vacation.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

S

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

ADU unit in beautiful neighborhoos

Overall great experience. The until is smaller than expected and the two chairs meant for the desk were a bit wobbly and unsteady. Really wonderful backyard with views of the river and very welcoming for my dog-thoughtful treats left as well as convenient dog bowls. The location was incredible-beautiful path through the woods, and convenient to grocery store, pet store, and other services. Host was accessible and responsive.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

JEFF B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2025

About the host

Your host

Host profile image
I love travel that’s rooted in curiosity—discovering new places through local food, music, nature, and everyday rhythms. I tend to travel lightly, valuing experiences and thoughtful details over excess, and I bring that same mindset to hosting.

Welcoming guests into my space is something I take seriously. I believe a great stay comes from care, clarity, and respect—for people, for place, and for the environment. The cottage reflects that philosophy: calm, well-prepared, and intentionally designed to help guests feel at ease from the moment they arrive.

Whether you’re here to rest, explore, or simply enjoy a slower pace, my goal is for your stay to feel comfortable, personal, and genuinely well cared for.

Why they chose this property

This property offers something increasingly rare: genuine privacy, direct access to nature, and a stay designed with intention rather than trend.

Set directly along the Willamette River and bordering protected parkland, the cottage feels secluded and restorative while remaining walkable to shops, trails, and neighborhood amenities—and just a short drive from Portland. Guests can step from the front door into wooded paths, riverside views, and quiet moments that are difficult to find so close to a city.

Unlike many short-term rentals, the cottage is thoughtfully equipped for real living. From a well-designed kitchen and personalized sleep comforts to fast, reliable fiber internet and a true work-friendly setup, the space supports both relaxation and longer stays without compromise. Every detail is chosen to feel useful, comfortable, and calm—not generic or overdone.

This property is ideal for guests who value quality, quiet, and connection to place. Whether visiting for a creative retreat, a peaceful reset, or an extended stay with nature at your doorstep, the cottage offers an experience that feels personal, grounded, and genuinely cared for.

What makes this property unique

What makes this cottage unique is its balance of true nature immersion and carefully considered comfort.

Set directly along the Willamette River and bordered by protected parkland, the property offers a level of quiet, privacy, and connection to the outdoors that’s increasingly rare—especially so close to Portland. Days here unfold at a slower pace: morning light through the trees, river sounds in the background, wildlife passing through, and easy access to wooded trails and water.

Inside, the space is designed to feel calm and genuinely livable. Sleep comfort is highly personalized with a curated pillow bar and layered bedding, the bathroom is stocked with high-quality, non-allergenic bath products, and the kitchen is equipped for real cooking and unrushed meals. Thoughtful details—like a vintage record player with original 78s, a selection of books and music, and comfortable spaces to read or work—invite guests to settle in rather than stay busy.

Fast fiber internet, a true workstation setup, and reliable amenities make longer stays feel effortless, whether you’re here to work remotely, write, recharge, or simply enjoy time surrounded by nature. The result is a stay that feels intentional, restorative, and quietly special.

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