Willamette Riverkeeper's River Discovery Education Program provides opportunities to learn, explore, and enjoy the Willamette River. Whether you’d like the chance to get out on the water for a paddle, you have a organization in need of a presentation, or you are looking for publications about issues on the Willamette, our River Discovery Program has something for you.

Paddle Trips

Evening and Weekend Trips

Willamette Riverkeeper organizes monthly river paddle trips from Eugene to Portland. Each paddle highlights a different section of the river and is led by Willamette Riverkeeper staff and volunteers who are knowledgeable about the ecology, history, water quality and habitat issues in that area.

Participants are welcome to use their own canoes or kayaks and join us for free. Or WRK can provide canoes and gear to members for free. Find out more about membership today.

All you need to bring on a River Discovery Paddle is a canoe or kayak, personal floatation device, a snack and a drink. While you don't have to be an expert paddler, we do request that you have some experience in a canoe or kayak before coming on one of our trips.

Our paddle schedule is updated frequently on our Paddle Trips page. So check back for more information or contact Willamette Riverkeeper for a schedule.

Annual Trips

Willamette Riverkeeper hosts two annual trips Paddle Oregon and the Portland Paddle.  Click on the logos below to find out more. And for ideas on planning your own trip check out the new Willamette River Water Trail and guide.

Youth Trips

Publications

Willamette River Water Trail Guide

The water trail guide highlights publicly accessible facilities, from parks and greenspaces, that afford the public an opportunity to launch canoes, kayaks, and other craft, and to camp and explore along the way.  You can view and download the Guide at www.willamettewatertrail.org.

Citizen's Guide to the Portland Harbor Superfund Cleanup

What is a Superfund? How does it work? You can learn about the long and complex Superfund cleanup process for the 5.5 mile section of river known as the Portland Harbor Superfund site. This guide explains the process, contaminants of highest concern in river sediments, and how people can get involved in the process to clean up this hightly polluted section of the Willamette. Find out more about the Superfund on our website.

Riverscape

Our quarterly newsletter, Riverscape, highlights all of the most current work and activities happening on the Willamette River. It is a great way to stay informed about our organization and the river. Riverscape is mailed to Willamette Riverkeeper members and the most recent issue can be downloaded below.  

Summer 2005 pages 1-4, pages 5-8 and pages 9-12. (PDF)

Fall 2005 pages 1-4, pages 5-8 and pages 9-12. (PDF)

Summer 2006 pages 1-6 and pages 7-12. (PDF)

Fall 2006 pages 1-6 and pages 7-12. (PDF)

Spring 2007 pages 1-7 and pages 8-16 (PDF)

Summer 2007 pages 1-16 (PDF)

Fall 2007 pages 1-16 (PDF)

Winter 2008 pages 1-16 (PDF 3MB)

Spring 2008 pages 1-16 (PDF 3MB)

Summer 2008 pages 1-16 (PDF 1.8MB)

Fall 2008 pages 1-16 (PDF 1.8MB)

Presentations

Willamette Riverkeeper makes its staff and volunteers available for presentations to businesses, groups, schools, and other organizations interested in learning about the Willamette River. Our presentations provide information about the River's history and current status, and of course, how people can get involved to help our efforts.  We also have a tabling display that highlights our programs and the river.

Contact Amy if you would like us to participate in your next event.