City History
In search of opportunity and a better life.
Happy Valley holds a past rich with history, one that dates back to open plains, covered wagons, and early explorers dreaming of a better life for their family. Learn more about this place we call home.
Historical Happy Valley – What’s in a Name?
Happy Valley. The name envisions a community comfortably nestled in the shadows of a picturesque skyline and populated by a congenial citizenry. But what’s the real story behind the name? Folklore tells the tale of local boys who would enjoy a bit too much hard cider and sing “loudly and gaily” at Sunnyside church services, earning the description of “the happy boys from the hollow” and, so the story goes, was the origin behind the name of “Happy Valley.” Historical references, however, might point to a clever sales strategy to attract future land buyers.
Want to learn more about local history? Enjoy these short essays written by Mark Hurlburt, a historian with Clackamas County Historical Society. The many historical pictures included within the articles bring Happy Valley’s history to life.
The full Happy Valley history, in chronological order. Transport yourself back in history and see when Happy Valley got its start, who was there, and how Happy Valley has grown to be the city it is today.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Incredible Volunteers
On Saturday June 14th, 2025 an inspiring group of volunteers gathered to care for one of Happy Valley’s most treasured historic sites — the Christilla Pioneer Cemetery, nestled atop Scouters Mountain Nature Park.
With tools in hand and a shared dedication to community service, volunteers from Boys Team Charity Happy Valley League the Rotary Club of Clackamas, and the Happy Valley Hikers worked together to clear brush and remove invasive plants. Their efforts not only restored the beauty and dignity of this sacred resting place — home to some of our area’s earliest settlers — but also contributed to the City’s Wildfire Reduction Program by creating defensible space and reducing hazardous overgrowth.
This important work was made possible in part by a generous grant that supplied the tools and materials needed to complete the project. We are truly grateful for the time, effort, and care each volunteer contributed toward protecting our community’s heritage and safety.
