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River Discovery Programs include several opportunities that will allow you to experience the joys of getting on the river:
With a combination of paddle trips, publications, and presentations Willamette Riverkeeper (WR) educates the public about the Willamette River—with the goal to increase your understanding, appreciation, and involvement. So whether you are interested in paddling, exploring, or learning about the River, our River Discovery Program has something for you. In the various Discovery sections shown in the list above, you can find out about upcoming and annual canoe and kayak trips. You can also download our quarterly newsletter and other documents from our Publications page. In addition if you, or a group you are affiliated with, are interested in learning more about the River and the work of WR feel free to contact our Outreach & Education Coordinator to schedule a presentation.
View pictures and trip reports from our River Discovery adventures! Listed below are some of our upcoming paddling opportunities. You are welcome to join us in your own kayak or canoe. If you don't have a boat, Willamette Riverkeeper is happy to provide you with one of our tandem canoes upon request. If you use one of our canoes, we ask that you sign up with a paddling partner. Be sure to dress appropriately, and pack water, lunch or a snack. Prior paddling experience is encouraged but not required. For registration and further details, contact Kate by e-mail or call 503-223-6418. APRIL Ross Island Circumnavigation by BIKE— Saturday, 4/10 9am–12pm Some of you may have noticed that it's pretty darn wet out there. As a result, our river is flowing fast and furious, so this month we plan to take in a different perspective... Join us for our first ever Ross Island Circumnavigation by BIKE! Meet at the SE Portland Boathouse, outside of Cooper's Coffee (which, sadly, will be closed!) on 1515 SE Water Ave & Clay. Beginning at the SE Portland Boathouse, we will peddle down the Springwater Cooridor, over the Sellwoood Bridge, continue along the SW shore, back onto the esplanade, until we cross back over the river at the Hawthorne Bridge Bridge. We will enjoy a casual pace, stopping occasionally to note areas of interest such as restoration projects, advocacy issues, and wildlife. See this bike map of the area. Participants must provide their own bike. Pack water, snacks, and a repair kit! To register contact info@willametteriverkeeper.org or call 503-223-6418. Group size is limited. MARCH Four Islands Adventure — Saturday, 3/13 10am–2pm
This trip requires a shuttle! WR has a limited number of seats available to shuttle individuals from the take-out, back to the put-in (approximately a 10-13 minute drive). If you ride with us, you may have to leave your boat at the take-out where it will be supervised. We encourage you to set your own shuttle as well. To register, contact info@willametteriverkeeper.org or call 503-223-6418. To reserve a Willamette Riverkeeper tandem canoe, you must sign up with a paddling partner. Pack water, snacks or lunch, a hot drink, and dress in warm layers! In the event of extreme high water conditions, this trip will be canceled. Directions: Find your way using these Google Maps links, Dahl Park and Jefferson St. Boat Ramp. View this map. Cedar and Goat Islands are composed of sand and gravel carried downriver by high flows. These islands and bars are slowly disappearing, either from mining or by erosion. Prior to the construction of the big dams on the major tributaries and headwaters, sand and gravel moved downstream with every large flow. Now, most of these materials are trapped behind the dams, while flow continues to erode existing gravel bars and islands. These islands are low lying, and are vegetated with plants that can tolerate wet conditions. Look for willows, dogwood, and other riparian species here. There is a large heron rookery on Goat Island, and a sizeable beaver colony on Cedar Island. FEBRUARY Smith & Bybee Lakes — Saturday, 2/20 9am–1pm At nearly 2,000 acres, Smith and Bybee Lakes form the largest protected wetlands within an American city. This beautiful natural area is one of Portland's best-kept secrets, hiding in an area surrounded by port terminals, warehouses and other commercial developments. As we explore the lakes, we will be watching for spirited local residents including beaver, river otter, black-tailed deer, osprey, bald eagles and Western painted turtles. Be sure to bring your camera and binoculars! To register contact 503-223-6418. To reserve a Willamette Riverkeeper tandem canoe, you must sign up with a paddling partner. Directions: Take I-5 to west N. Marine Dr. (exit 307). (If you're going north on I-5, the exit road continues for about 1 mile before a right turn onto N. Marine Dr.) After about 2 miles on N. Marine Dr, you'll be on an overpass from which you can see Smith Lake to the left. At the bottom of the overpass, look for a brown and white sign with "Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area." Turn left into the driveway and proceed about 1/8 mile to the parking lot on the left. Proceed past the parking lot, continuing for about 1/4 mile to the boat launch on the right. Parallel parking is available on the non-lake side of the roadway. JANUARY Scappoose Bay — Saturday, 1/23 9am–1pm Join WR as we explore the lower reaches of the Willamette River in and around Scappoose Bay. Bring your binoculars and birding guides (bald eagle sightings are almost guaranteed), as well as a lunch. Join us for River Discovery 2010's inaugural Paddle trip! Once again we will begin our year at one of the Pacific Northwest's original meeting places: Scappoose Bay. Breaking away from the mainstem just a few miles before the confluence with the Columbia, Multnomah Channel eventually spills into the low, tidal estuary of Scappoose Bay, adjacent to Sauvie Island National Wildlife Area. It was here that the great Native American highway, later the Hudson's Bay trail, between the Columbia River and the upper Willamette Valley, had its beginning. Taking advantage of the higher water flows of winter, we will explore the bay's back channels, and visit the sagging remains of old wooden ships. Pack water, snacks or lunch, a hot drink, and be sure to dress WARM—the temperature will likely fall between 35–45 degrees! For this trip, prior experience is encouraged. To use a canoe, you must register with a paddling partner. The wonderful folks at Scappoose Kayaks will have hot cider and light snacks, so be sure to take a look inside their great shop! Kayak rentals are available at info@scappoosebaykayaking.com. Directions to Scappoose Bay Marina: From Portland, head northwest on Hwy 30 towards Astoria, and go approximately 18.5 miles from the St. Johns’ Bridge. From Hwy 30 turn right onto Bennett Road, cross the railroad tracks, and turn left onto Old Portland Road. The Marina is about a half mile down on the right, at 57420 Old Portland Road. You should see a small sign advertising Scappoose Bay Kayaking shortly before Bennett Road, and you will see the Marina as you approach on Hwy 30 (it’s painted blue and says “Marina” on the roof). Note: it’s possible to turn onto Old Portland Road before reaching Bennett. If you do so, just continue along Old Portland Road until you reach the marina.
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RIVER PADDLING TRIP CALENDAR Some events require registration.
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