China Creek Golf Course

General Course Description

China Creek Golf Course is a  9-hole (18 with dual tees) municipal course located in the town of Arlington just off of I-84 to the east of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area (you can see the mighty Columbia River from parts of the course). Built on the side of a valley wall, China Creek Golf Course has holes that are interesting and varied. It is a very open with generally well-maintained greens. There are few trees, and water on only one hole, but there are several traps and, although on the short side, the elevation changes provide a challenge. Frequent strong winds from the Gorge can substantially alter the character of the course. Because it is so hilly and there are distances between the holes, a cart is recommended.

Course History

Opened in 2003.

Why It Is There

The City of Arlington wanted a course. It now has a following from a wide geographic area.

I Wish I Would Have Known Before I Played

Because it is built on a hillside, most shots that go into the hill will bounce back. On the 6th hole, an uphill par 5 (when the wind is blowing it takes a strong effort to reach in regulation), there is a sharp drop off on the right front of the green; approach from the left side. On the 8th hole, a par 4 that goes up then down, drives to the left may find a hill that will slow the progress of the drive. Also, on occasion the clubhouse may be empty; just use the honor box and go.

Did You Know

In the Mormon Cricket infestation that happened before 2022, all the employees (and some members) went out with Dawn dishwashing detergent to ecologically remove the bugs. And because it is a city park, in the evenings you might find folks romantically sitting in their carts admiring the views.

Good For Them

Water from operations is recycled and stored in the pond on the first hole to be reused for irrigation. The course hosts multiple charity events including the Aluminum Man Triathlon which combines trap shooting, golf, and horseshoes to benefit the local high school track team. The course also hosts the occasional cross country meet.

Why Play This Course

The configuration of the holes are very interesting, and it is in a scenic area — in between the desert plateau and the Columbia River Gorge. The pricing and friendliness of the staff is a bonus.

General

• • Type: 9-hole public course
  • Price: $$ (barely)
  • Phone/webpage: (541) 454-2000/no website
  • Address:  1700 Railroad Ave., Arlington, Oregon 97812
  • Owner: City of Arlington
  • Designer: John Steidel
  • Pros: Taylor Grubaugh
  • Practice Facilities: Putting green and chipping area
  • Pro Shop: Minimal clothing and equipment, but it feels more like a living room than a pro shop — a nice place to sit and chat
  • Food: Hot dogs, snacks, soda, and beer
  • Bathrooms: Improved in clubhouse, porta potty on course
  • Yardage Markers: 150 and 100 in-ground markers; no pin-placement information
  • Clothing: T-shirts and non-holed jeans are OK
  • Walkable: Steep hills and distances between holes, a good workout of a walk; cart recommended
  • Spikes: Soft
  • Shoe Cleaning: Brush and air hose
  • Rentals: Clubs and power carts, no pull carts
  • All seasons