Pros:
Milo McIver Disc Golf Course is the best disc golf course in the Pacific Northwest, without a doubt. It is located in the beautiful, massive Milo McIver State Park near the town of Estacada. The disc golf course occupies a healthy portion of the park-- I'd estimate 75 acres.
-The scenery here at Milo is absolutely stunning. From the moment you drive in, you can sense that you're in for a treat. The entry road winds down a hill through a forest thick with old-growth Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Big-leaf Maple trees. At spots you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Hood as well.
-The regular course is made up of 27 holes, with an 18-hole east course and 9-hole west course. Whether you decide to play 9, 18, or 27 holes, you'll have a ton of fun. The course design is absolutely phenomenal. The Riverbend day-use area, where the course is located, features open areas with scattered trees, plus areas with more dense woods, perfect for a top-notch course.
-No hole at Milo McIver is a gimme or a filler hole. Every single hole is thoroughly thought out and requires you to dig deep into your arsenal of shots. There are a great number of unique holes, requiring shots rarely called for. Creativity is an essential component of a low score here.
-It's a long course, but not too long. The course features many par threes, par fours here and there, and two par fives as well. Most of the longer holes have a short tee, making the course more manageable for newer players.
-Every basket is well-placed, adjacent to a massive tree, next to a creek, or on a mound. Precise approach shots are critical. It is very easy to land inside the circle and have a very challenging putt.
-The property has a gentle amount of elevation change, which was expertly used by the course designers. In particular, the hill in the middle of the park is home to the green on hole #5 East and the tee on hole #6 East, two of the most gorgeous and photographed holes in all of disc golf.
-The undergrowth is almost all native plants. Ferns and vine maple abound. It is much easier to find your disc in these plants than if the woods were overgrown with blackberries and other nasty invasives.
The Clackamas River is in view from a good many of the holes and within earshot at a couple of points. Too many disc golf courses are within earshot of a freeway. This is a hundred times better.
Wildlife abounds. Don't be surprised to see deer, eagles, chipmunks, and maybe in the river, salmon. This adds even more charm to an already splendid course.
-Timber Park is right across the river. Two terrific courses within a ten-minute drive is anyone's dream. Timber Park has more of a city park feel, and the holes are closer together, but it's still a wonderful challenge. If you come here to play Milo, check out Timber, too.
-The East 18 has brand-new, nice tee signs in full color. The West 9 could use them, too.
-The Innova Discatcher baskets were replaced just this year (2019). Some of the old baskets were becoming rusted out and losing catch, so this is a welcome improvement. Many thanks to those who got this done.
-Numerous top professionals have named Milo McIver as their favorite course. Nate Doss, Will Schusterick, Philo Brathwaite, and Gregg Barsby just to name a few.
-There are three well-kept restroom facilities at various points around the course.
Cons:
-Tee signs are infrequent on the West 9.
-No practice baskets.
-The course is slightly heavy on the RHBH holes
Other Thoughts:
-This is a gigantic park and at first a bit difficult to find make the proper way around. The regular layout is an 18-hole east course and a 9-hole west course that start from the east and west parking lots. Or, you can skip around and play all 27. For the Beaver State Fling, 9 holes are added to form two 18-hole courses that start from the middle parking lot.
-Milo McIver State Park is an hour drive from Portland. Take advantage of other park opportunities while you're here, including picnicking, fishing, boating, and hiking. If one day here isn't enough, reserve a campground!
-This course hosts the Beaver State Fling every June for a reason. Come out if you haven't already. It's a ton of fun to watch the top pros at one of the best courses in the country.
-If you're just starting out, this course is probably a little much. But that's not to say that you won't have a wonderful experience exploring this truly majestic park.
-For sure, Milo earns a 5-star review. It is a genuinely incredible, unforgettable experience, start to finish. The natural beauty, as well as the flow and design of the course, are simply unmatched in any course I've played to date. I always look forward to my next round at Milo McIver.