Pros:
Confluence DGC is the Portland area's latest offering situated between old-town Troutdale and I-84. Just one minute off the the freeway, it's 10-ish acres of a former blackberry forest/wasteland/homeless encampment that has been bulldozed and is now mostly free of prickly invasive species. After talking to one of the locals it seems this course was planted in order to chase out the homeless and to see what the interest level in DG is locally. With Dabney and Blue Lake close by, I'm going to guess interest is pretty high.
This is a new course that's just getting its legs. The dirt tees will probably turn to mud soon, but hopefully that will be addressed shortly. Bark is already being moved in around the baskets. The design is solid for what they had to work with. You're not going to find much in the way of challenge in tight lines and distance, but it's right off the freeway and only 3 minutes from McMinnimins Edgefield Hotel.
- 12 holes makes it a fast play.
- The signage is minimal but effective. I had no trouble getting
around sight unseen.
- It finishes better than it starts.
- It was really cool watching a train come across the tressle
right next to the course.
- I'm guessing there's a good view of Mt St Helens, but it was
cloudy when I played.
Cons:
- Dirt tees, blackberry vines underfoot and garter snakes kept me on my toes.
- It looks like it'll get real muddy when the rains come.
- I was followed by some sketchy dude at the remote back of
the park. I pack when I'm alone and was ready to reach for it,
but thankfully he veered off.
- Not much in the way of shot-shaping variety since the park is
flat and mostly treeless.
Other Thoughts:
If you're staying at The Edgefield this is a quick play while the wife is getting a massage. I wouldn't go out of my way to play here if I was traveling since Dabney, Blue Lake and Milo are close by. There are other courses right off of I-84 that are much better. Play it if you're course-bagging. Play it often if you're a local! I hear there are plans in the works for something much better close by if this course is successful.