Bridges and Portland Harbor River Discovery Paddle

Join Willamette Riverkeeper for an opportunity to admire Portland's iconic bridges and huge ships from a unique perspective, while learning more about historic riverside industries and today's Superfund challenges. 

WHERE & WHEN & WHAT: Meet in the parking lot at Willamatte Park near the boat ramp at 9:30 AM ready to paddle. After launching from Willamette Park in Portland, we will paddle 10 miles downstream, passing under eight historic bridges (including the Ross Isalnd, Hawthorne, Morrison, Burnside, Steel, Broadway, Fremont and Union Pacific Railroad), ending our trip at Cathedral Park (at the small beach just south of the bridge down from N Pittsburg Ave.). 

Participants should be comfortable paddling for ~4 hours in changing wind and current. Previous paddling experience is required. Due to the time of the year, the weather can be unpredictable. We will need to reschedule this event if the weather conditions are stormy. Dress appropriately for the weather (Bring hats, gloves, pack a spare set of dry clothes and extra warm layers! We will have extra dry bags on hand). Be smart about how you equip your feet: thick wool or fleece socks and warm rubber/waterproof boots are a good idea since you will need to step into the water to launch and land. There are no restrooms available along this stretch. Bring water, snacks, lunch, a hot drink. We plan to launch at 10AM and reach our takeout around 4 PM.

SHUTTLE: SHUTTLE ARE AVAILABLE TO THOSE RESERVING WR TANDEM CANOES ONLY. To join this shuttle, you must reserve a seat in advance through this registration. The shuttle can take approximately 30-40 minutes (one way).
For participants making their own shuttle arrangements. Our take out is at Cathedral Park just south of the bridge on North Pittsburg Avenue.

NEED A BOAT? Willamette Riverkeeper has 5 tandem canoes available for this event. You must book your canoe in advance through this registration and recruit your own paddling partner. You and your paddling partner need to have previous canoe paddling experience for this trip.

QUESTIONS? Reach out to event coordinator, Annette at annette@willametteriverkeeper.org

Register Now!