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CANCELED! RIVER DISCOVERY: Bridges & Big Ships Paddle

  • 1515 SE Water Ave Portland United States (map)

Please note— this trip has been CANCELED due to hazardous river conditions! All registrants have been notified via email. This trip has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 21st. See the event listing to register.


Join us as we kick off our River Discovery paddling season exploring a fascinating and seldom paddled stretch of the Willamette! Enjoy a rare 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. 

What: Bridges & Big Ships Paddle Trip

When: Saturday, February 1st from 9:30am to 2:30pm

Where: Paddle from the dock located at the former SE Portland Boathouse, down to Cathedral Park 

Details: We'll launch from the inner SE Portland and will paddle 7.5 miles downstream, passing under eight historic bridges (including the Hawthorne, Morrison, Burnside, Steel, Broadway, Fremont, Union Pacific Railroad, and St. Johns Bridges), ending our trip at Cathedral Park.

Meet in the parking lot of the RiverEast Building (located at 1515 SE Water Avenue, and SE Clay in Portland). Look for us near by the gravel lot just above the boat ramp. Please arrive around 9:30am as we aim to launch no later than 10:00am. Participants should be comfortable paddling for 2-3 hours in current. There are no restrooms along this stretch. Dress appropriately for *cold* and wet 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. Also bring water, snacks, lunch, a hot drink, and perhaps your camera.

Shuttle: Riverkeeper is offering a limited shuttle service from when we get off the water at the take-out, back to RiverEast Building's parking lot in SE Portland where the trip began. You must reserve a seat in our shuttle in advance through this registration. We welcome participants to make their own shuttle arrangements as well. We expect to reach the take-out sometime between 1:30pm and 2:00pm. The shuttle can take approximately 25-40 minutes (one way). Shuttle fee is $10.

Need a Boat? Riverkeeper canoes are available for FREE through this registration as well. You must recruit your own paddling partner.  

REGISTER HERE