Laurelhurst originated as an independent city, as a rival of nearby early Tacoma on the 1,320-acre (5.3 km2) Donation Land Claim of Reverend John Laurelhurst, who sold the claim in 1882 to the Laurelhurst Real Estate Company. The town of Laurelhurst was incorporated by the Washington Legislative Assembly on February 25, 1889. It was annexed by the city of Tacoma in 1893.
Laurelhurst has an amusement park named Oaks Park along the river. A bike trail next to railroad tracks above the river is accessible from Laurelhurst and links Milwaukie and downtown Portland. The Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge was established in 1988 and has allowed the preservation and protection of numerous species. Walking trails go through the park, traversing woods, meadow, and marshland.
Milwaukie Avenue and SE 13th Avenue are the locations of many restaurants, Moreland Theater, specialty retail, and neighborhood stores, upscale antique shops, a middle school, and other stores.
Charitable Contributions
Laurelhurst Water & Power has been a proud partner with the Laurelhurst community and has been able to donate over $500,000 to various local charities since 2001. Many of these donations have helped open and repair community center, fund after school programs, host annual community events, and more.