Willamette River To Main Streets: Eat, Shop & Paddle

If you’re visiting the Mt. Hood Territory communities of Oregon City, West Linn, Milwaukie or Lake Oswego, you’re lucky enough to have the Willamette Water Trail within a half mile of downtown, offering convenient access to restaurants, shopping and paddling activities all within a quick walk of each other. And while there's a bit more space between the river and downtown, Canby, Gladstone and Wilsonville all offer prime opportunities within a quick drive or longer walk or cycle to play on both land and water. 

The Willamette River is a cornerstone of Oregon, flowing 187 miles from Eugene to Portland with many twists, turns and surprises along the way. In Mt. Hood Territory, the river plummets over iconic Willamette Falls, an important fishing and trading site for Oregon Tribes and a site of early industry, including the first long-range power transmission.

But the Willamette River is more than a scenic backdrop or piece of history. It’s ripe with recreation opportunities from quick stand-up paddleboard (SUP) outings to multiday paddle and camping trips. The Willamette Water Trail ties these recreation experiences together into a series of itineraries that span the length of the river and connect to several bustling Mt. Hood Territory communities. In addition to detailed itineraries and maps, the Willamette Water Trail also offers safety tips, permitting information and outfitter listings, so you can be sure you have everything you need to explore the river.