If you like to have a destination in mind before you set sail on the Willamette River, take a look at the many itineraries listed in the Willamette River Water Trail Guide. Here is just a sample to “wet your paddle:”
Itinerary – Portland Boathouse to Cathedral Park
- Skill Level Intermediate
- Duration 1 Day
- Total River Miles 7.5
- Starting Point Portland Boathouse – RM 13.5
- End Point Cathedral Park – RM 6
- Why this Trip
This is a fascinating and seldom paddled stretch of the Willamette.
ï Itinerary – Loop Around Ross Island
- Skill Level Beginner
- Duration 1 Day
- Total River Miles 5
- Starting Point Sellwood Riverfront Park – RM 16.5
- End Point Sellwood Riverfront Park – RM 16.5
- Why this Trip
This is the ultimate urban adventure in the heart of downtown Portland. You can experience a large, urban restoration project and see wildlife, such as bald eagles, blue herons, deer, river otter and beavers.
ï Itinerary – Willamette Falls from Sportcraft Marina
- Skill Level Beginner
- Duration 1 Day
- Total River Miles 5
- Starting Point Sportcraft – RM 24
- End Point Willamette Falls – RM 26.5
- Why this Trip
Willamette Falls is the largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest by water volume, second largest in the United States behind Niagara Falls.
ï Itinerary – Wheatland Ferry to San Salvador State Park
- Skill Level Intermediate
- Duration 2 Days
- Total River Miles 15 miles
- Starting Point Wheatland Bar – RM 72
- End Point San Salvador State Park – RM 57
- Why this Trip
It provides a wonderful look at the backchannel of Wheatland Bar, immediately across from the put-in, and you can also enjoy riverside wine tasting at Arcane Cellars at Wheatland Winery and Vineyard.
ï Itinerary – Wallace Marine Park to Willamette Mission State Park
- Skill Level Beginner
- Duration 1 Day
- Total River Miles 12
- Starting Point Wallace Marine Park – RM 84
- End Point Willamette Mission State Park – RM 72
- Why this Trip
The wonderful Keizer Rapids Park and Willamette Mission State Park provide an abundance of scenery and wildlife-viewing opportunities. You can also find a couple of nice campsites on this stretch.
For more information about the Willamette River Water Traail, visit www.WillametteRiverkeeper.org or http://willamettewatertrail.org/about-the-water-trail/river-health/
