Pros:
FRONT 9:
-Good mix of open and wooded holes
-Nice elevation change
-Flows very well, never a long walk between holes and hole 9 finishes by hole 1
-Hole 3 (with the staircase) is picture worthy
-Brand new yellow DISCatchers with hole numbers
-Well poured concrete tee pads
-Signs at each tee pad with hole numbers clearly displayed
-Quiet, clean, country park away from the city
-Good for beginner and intermediate level players
-Don't really need a spotter for any holes
-Restrooms by hole 1
-Parking and practice basket right by hole 1
BACK 9:
-Same Pros as front nine minus the elevation change
-More technical fairways, some tight gaps and low ceilings
-Hole 14 plays along Clear Creek (more like a river than creek)
-Stroller/Cart friendly
-Restrooms by hole 18
Cons:
-Holes 10-18 are closed from May until Fall (camping season)
-$8 parking fee
-A couple holes play over the road, but very low traffic so not really an issue
-Picnic benches located close to a few fairways and a live baseball game could really throw off some of the early holes.
Other Thoughts:
Nice job Metzler! Besides featuring the beauty of mossy old-growth trees, mushrooms, and a fast moving creek, one can tell great care and attention has gone into the development of this course! I really commend the designer for the entire layout. The tee pad on hole 9 for example doesn't point towards the basket because they had to account for some serious tree roots, but it still allows you to air out a forehand or backhand.
The front nine is clearly for the beginner with nothing much longer than 300ft, while the back nine adds difficulty and a little more distance. There were several disc golfers were out on a Saturday morning, but certainly not crowded by any means.
If the back 9 stayed open all year, or if it had a little more elevation, I would give this place a solid 4 discs. Nonetheless, it's certainly very good and it sounds like they want to continue to carve the place up to add another 18-holer... woot woot!
Note- Make sure to pay for parking - the Clackamas County Park Rangers don't rest.
Home to Milo, Timber and now Metzler County Park, Estacada is truly becoming a disc golf destination town.