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Willamette River Water Trail |
EAT. SHOP. PADDLE.
If you’re visiting the Mt. Hood Territory communities of Oregon City, West Linn, Milwaukie or Lake Oswego, you’re lucky enough to have the Willamette River within a half mile of downtown, offering convenient access to restaurants, shopping and paddling activities all within a quick walk of each other. And while there's a bit more space between the river and downtown, Canby, Gladstone and Wilsonville all offer prime opportunities within a quick drive or longer walk or cycle to play on both land and water.
The Willamette River is a cornerstone of Oregon, flowing 187 miles from Eugene to Portland with many twists, turns and surprises along the way. In Mt. Hood Territory, the river plummets over iconic Willamette Falls, an important fishing and trading site for Oregon Tribes and a site of early industry, including the first long-range power transmission.
But the Willamette River is more than a scenic backdrop or piece of history. It’s ripe with recreation opportunities from quick stand-up paddleboard (SUP) outings to multiday paddle and camping trips. The Willamette Water Trail ties these recreation experiences together into a series of itineraries that span the length of the river. In addition to detailed itineraries and maps, the Willamette Water Trail also offers safety tips, permitting information and outfitter listings, so you can be sure you have everything you need to explore the river. Read on to learn about the Willamette Water Trail and the bustling Mt. Hood Territory communities it connects to.
Oregon City | West Linn | Milwaukie | Lake Oswego | Gladstone | Wilsonville | Canby
Get an unforgettable view of Willamette Falls with the Willamette Falls from Sportcraft Marina itinerary that paddles upriver to the base of the falls. You’ll pass by downtown Oregon City and see its industrial history, including Willamette Falls Locks on the west bank and Blue Heron Paper Mill on the east, both of which are no longer in operation.
Please note: The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is making seismic improvements to the I-205 Abernethy Bridge. Visitors can expect disruptions on the land and water at Sportcraft Marina, including one-lane access and traffic delays.
The Willamette Narrows itinerary paddles upstream beginning at Bernert Landing in West Linn to Little Rock Island, a basalt formation that provides a great opportunity for wildlife viewing as you paddle through its narrow channels, and Rock Island with the opportunity to venture ashore. This itinerary can be paddled as a 4 mile loop during most seasons and is best when the river water levels are lower - check river conditions before you go for safety.
Before you can hit the water, you’ll need to make sure you have all of the required gear and safety equipment. Check out the Willamette Water Trail gear checklist to make sure you have everything you need. First and foremost, all water recreators in Oregon are required to have a personal flotation device (PFD), and most watercrafts must have a Water Access Permit. For detailed information on watercraft and safety requirements, visit the Oregon Marine Board's page for non-motorized paddlers. If you're planning to venture onto the banks of the river, Oregon State Parks Greenway lands offer public spaces to explore.
Don't forget to exercise good stewardship as you share the river with others. Keep an ear out for motorboats, which need deeper water to safely operate and pass. When you hear an approaching motorboat, paddle closer together in groups. Practice social distancing and observe Leave No Trace principles.
The following communities in Mt. Hood Territory are neighbors to the river, making it easy to visit their downtown dining and shopping, as well as the Willamette Water Trail all in one trip.
OREGON CITY
Oregon City is a water recreation hub with an award winning main street a quick walk away. If you need a little help getting equipped for your Willamette River adventure, check out eNRG Kayaking at Sportcraft Marina (the itinerary put-in). They offer kayak and SUP rentals, as well as guided paddling tours to Willamette Falls, a great way to learn a little local history as you get out on the water.
Oregon City Main Street is about a 0.5-mile walk from Sportcraft Marina, or one mile from Clackamette Park. Stop by OC Brewing or nearby Corner 14 food cart pod for some post-paddling refreshments. A walk down Main Street offers more dining, shopping and the Oregon City Municipal Elevator with stunning river views from the top.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, the Best Western Plus Rivershore Hotel is the perfect location. Book a river view room and enjoy the sunset after a full day.
Find more dining, shopping and things to do in Oregon City.
WEST LINN
Bernert Landing at Willamette Park is about a 0.5-mile walk from Historic Willamette Main Street in West Linn. There you’ll find a newly renovated main street experience with a large variety of delicious restaurants. If you’re up for a quick drive, West Linn is also home to four wineries: Tumwater Vineyards, Campbell Lane Winery, Pete’s Mountain Vineyard & Winery, and twill Cellars, several offering spectacular views of Mt. Hood from their tasting rooms.
A short drive north of Historic Willamette Main Street along Hwy 43, you’ll find Mary S. Young Park. The park offers wooded hiking trails that lead to the banks of the Willamette, and while there’s no boat launch access, it’s another great place to enjoy the river and look for wildlife.
Find more dining, shopping and things to do in West Linn.
MILWAUKIE
Milwaukie Bay Park in downtown Milwaukie has a popular boat launch, as well as a charming grassy park to relax on the banks of the Willamette River. In the summer, the Milwaukie Sunday Farmers Market is just across the street. Pick up some local treats for a picnic lunch at the park. Walk through downtown Milwaukie for shopping and dining favorites like the Main Street Collectors Mall & Soda Fountain with delicious milkshakes.
Find more dining, shopping and things to do in Milwaukie.
LAKE OSWEGO
The City of Lake Oswego offers upscale boutique shopping, dining and outdoor art along the shores of Oswego Lake. And just a 0.5-mile walk from these main street delights, you’ll find George Rogers Park and the shores of the Willamette River. The park has a sandy beach that’s quite popular in the summer for both sunbathers and water recreators. Alder Creek offers kayak and SUP rentals from the park in the summer months.
GLADSTONE
Meldrum Bar Park offers a boat ramp and picnic areas along the Willamette River in Gladstone. Bike along the Trolley Trail, a 6-mile trail connecting Milwaukie Bay Park to downtown Gladstone, where you can stop for a pick-me-up at Happyrock Coffee.
Find more dining, shopping and things to do in Gladstone.
WILSONVILLE
Enjoy trails at Memorial Park in Wilsonville that follow the Willamette River, and Boeckman Creek which cuts through the 126-acre park with boat dock and river access. The adventure continues at Bullwinkle's Family Fun Center just over 1 mile away, offering indoor and outdoor activities like mini golf, bowling, arcade and more for kids of all ages. Wilsonville is also home to Vanguard Brewing, a stop on the Mt. Hood Territory Tap Trail.
Find more dining, shopping and things to do in Wilsonville.
CANBY
In addition to flower farms and the Clackamas County Fairgrounds, Canby is also home to the Molalla River State Park, located at the confluence of the Pudding, Molalla and Willamette Rivers. Pack a picnic to enjoy, walk the small trail system or use the park boat launch. Just a short 0.5-mile trip from the park you can take a truly unique trip across the Willamette River on the Canby Ferry. The historic ferry route was established in 1912, but the ferry itself has gone through several updates and can transport pedestrians, bikes, vehicles and even trailers.
