Paddle the Willamette River Water Trail
Fed by mountain tributaries south of Eugene, the Willamette River flows northward for nearly 200 miles before emptying into the Columbia River near Portland.
Along the way, it passes through the likes of Eugene, Salem, Independence, and Corvallis—offering dramatic wildlife viewing opportunities, all manner of outdoor recreation, and the natural beauty of the iconic Willamette Valley.
You can see it all along the Willamette Water Trail, which covers 187 miles of wonder along the mainstem Willamette River, as well as the Coast Fork Willamette, Middle Fork Willamette, and the McKenzie rivers.
What is the Willamette Water Trail?
Think of the Willamette Water Trail as, well, a hiking trail—but on water. Instead of walking all those miles, you can paddle or float as much or as little of the Willamette River as you'd like; in-town landings, some only a block or two from hotels and pubs, and roughly 50 riverside campsites make it easy to plan a leisurely afternoon on the water or a fascinating multi-day adventure—whatever sounds fun and doable.
Get inspired with the nonprofit Willamette Riverkeeper, which runs a Willamette Water Trail website that breaks down everything you need to know for a trip—with maps, suggested itineraries, boat launches, trip essentials, and other helpful resources.
Get Started on the Willamette Water Trail
So, you've discovered the Willamette Water Trail and you're ready to suit up in your life jacket and get in your vessel. Before you start foraging for your water safety equipment, we've got some helpful information to get you started.
Before getting on the water, it'll help to know what gear is required (and what's nice to have), where to get current conditions, and how to stay safe on the water. Check out our Water Safety page for helpful tips and resources.
Consult the official Willamette Water Trail website, which showcases an interactive map full of put-in spots, campsites, restrooms, docks, and other resources— and offers tips for getting started (like coming up with a plan for a shuttle).
Whether you're new to paddling, are planning a multi-day float, or simply want someone else to lead the way, consider renting gear, signing up for a class, or taking a tour from a local outfitter—like eNRG Kayaking around Oregon City, Oregon Paddle Sports in Eugene, and Oregon Kayak Tours near Salem.
