These include boating, camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, bicycling, wildlife viewing, fishing, and hunting. Summer. Washington, and Waldo Lake Wildernesses do have developed campgrounds nearby. What is it: A national water trail, The Willamette Water Trail covers 187 miles as it winds its way north from Eugene to Portland. This popular Willamette Riverside resource offers the user a variety of options to meander along about a 1/4 mile stretch of river within the 8 acre Irish Bend County Park. This 217-mile-long water trail is a treat for paddlers looking for a little bit of everything. The trail begins to gain elevation quickly from the parking area, climbing through large Douglas-Fir, Western Hemlock forest with a few Pacific Yew and Western White Pine interspersed. Starting in Estacada (just outside the Portland metro area), the trip begins on OR-224 alongside the emerald waters of the Clackamas River, a … While the Tualatin River stretches almost 80 miles from the coast range to the Willamette River, only the lower 40 miles of the river are accessible to paddlers. Learn about brand new water trail camp sites, and how to plan your own aquatic adventure. Willamette Riverkeeper and local and national governments created the Willamette River Water Trail, officially designated in 2008 and made a National Water Trail in 2012. The Willamette National Forest has about 1,700 miles of trails. While many are located in wilderness areas, a number of trails are situated at lower elevations and provide easy, year-round hiking. 217-mile water-based trail flows through forests, meadows, parks, farms, and cities large and small. Canoeing Kayaking Columbia River Outdoor Camping Hammock Oregon Trail Boat Water. Public uses of the river and land along its shores include camping, swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Gain insight on how Willamette water quality has improved, what challenges our river faces today, and how you can help. Summer in the Willamette Valley is the best time of the year to go for a swim in one of the valley’s numerous lakes and rivers. The best camping spot, about 2.5 miles into the trip, is American Bottom. (Contact the Willamette National Forest directly for more information about camping in a wilderness.) With a barely-detectable current in the summer, the Tualatin River Water Trail is the perfect place for beginning paddlers and families with children. 4. The River Trail descends from the Willamette River headwaters in the Cascade and Coast ranges to Portland, Oregon and to the confluence with the Columbia River. along the Willamette River from Corvallis to Newberg. A camp site costs $10 per night. The trail has two key guide-maps that enable people to identify access points, campsites, track river features and offer a bit of history and information on what can be found as you travel the river. Some of the trails run along the Willamette River and lots of shade. In recent years, the Greenway Properties have been utilized for the Willamette River Water Trail, enabling people to gain access to the river and to find places to camp in a primitive setting. WiFi is available through camp host during summer months. The information will help assess recreational and economic potential of this river reach, especially in regard to the planning and designation as a water trail. There are ten state parks, three public ferries, and more than 170 Oregon State Willamette River Greenway parcels, city and county parks, boat ramps, and Division of The Willamette River Water Trail, which comprises 187 miles of the valley’s major waterway, is a great place to dip your paddle. Plan for stops in nearby towns to try Oregon wine, locally-made craft beers, and amazing farm-to-table food. The trail takes the visitor near the shoreline of Williams Lake. A camp site costs $10 per night. Beautiful park and lots of trails for hiking/biking. Don't forget that every sip of cider supports Willamette Riverkeeper with a $1 donation for every pint from WildCraft Cider Works. It’s all possible on (and along) the Willamette Water Trail. This basic camping area has five sites, picnic tables, bike rack, water tap and bike repair station. With options for water sports, hiking, trail running, fly fishing, and mountain biking, this 220-mile road trip will whet any adventure-seeker’s appetite. A permit is required for camping along the Willamette River Water Trail; call or visit the park office to obtain one. In fact the Greenway properties along the Willamette River from south to north are some of … Our goal was to "promote education, recreation and public awareness of the Willamette River's beauty, heritage and environmental habitats." PROTECT - RESTORE - ENJOY We Work For a Clean, Healthy Willamette River. Best camping trails in Willamette National Forest, Oregon 1,588 Reviews Explore the most popular camping trails in Willamette National Forest with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. In 2001, Willamette Riverkeeper invited the world to "join us in the Northwest's newest outdoor tradition!" In 2008, government agencies and the non-profit Willamette Riverkeeper organization designated the full length of the river as the Willamette River Water Trail. There's a historical Butte Country Store you can easily hike to. Saved by Peg B. 18 talking about this. Plenty of tent/trailer sites for camping. Located at Independence's Riverview Park for travelers on the Willamette River Water Trail and the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. Oregon. Permits are required for river access and overnight camping, please contact Benton County Parks Department for information. It has a fire ring, seasonal toilet and picnic table. A great many pastimes can be enjoyed on the Willamette. Photo of the Willamette River Water Trail from the National Park Service. Page 17 of the Oregon State Parks Willamette River Guide provides a nice overview of facilities in the lower Middle Fork section of the river, or you may choose to purchase a waterproof Willamette Water Trail Guide, which features the entire Middle Fork section of the Willamette. This inventory is intended to be used for planning purposes only. From Williams Lake the trail is more primitive and encounters several steep pitches in and out of drainages. Enjoy views of meadows, forests, farms, and cities. Middle Fork Trail - A long, arduous classic following the Middle Fork of the Willamette River over a variety of terrain Oakridge - A sleepy little logging town with a chance to go rafting, fishing, hire some shuttles, soak in some hot springs, or just stay in town and enjoy some R&R at the brewery, BBQ, or distillery Access the Willamette River from the boat launch next to the Wheatland Ferry, at the north end of the park. The Williams Lake Trail is reached after a 0.5 mile hike on the Erma Bell Trail No. It … Discover the Willamette River on the Willamette River Water Trail, 187 miles of scenic beauty. Keep an eye out for plentiful birds and wildlife. 2) Willamette River Water Trail Ben Amstutz/Flickr If you're up for a long-distance adventure, you should consider this 187-mile journey on the Willamette River, between Eugene and Portland. Nearby is an old homestead. However, Menagerie, Three Sisters, Mt. Outdoor recreation: Paddle a canoe or kayak, float the river, cycle the Willamette River Scenic Bikeway (which largely parallels the water trail), hike the forests and floodplains along its banks, pick berries during summer months on nearby farms, or camp overnight in surrounding parks. Oregon has a history of attracting rugged pioneers and adventure-seekers. About two miles from Fernview campground, via Rooster Rock trail, is the Menagerie Wilderness. Turn right to stay on the Whitewater Trail. This basic camping area has five sites, picnic tables, bike rack, water tap and bike repair station. Willamette River Water Trail. The campsite, part of the Willamette Water Trail, has no land access, ... A mile down the Wheatland Bar back channel is a Water Trail campsite, ... Canoe camping on the Willamette. The trail winds through lush greenery and urban cityscapes like Portland, on mostly flat water. Located at Independence's Riverview Park for travelers on the Willamette River Water Trail and the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. WiFi is available through camp host during summer months. Cascadia State Park (oregonstateparks.org) provides overnight camping and is a low-traffic, tranquil area to enjoy the southern Santiam River. The trail passes through parks and greenways, offering multiple points of entry. A National Water Trail that offers accessible adventure in the heart of the Pacific Northwest! The Willamette, a designated water trail, generally presents trouble-free paddling through fertile farmlands and forests. Local groups working on ways to highlight the river as a travel destination with Willamette Valley Visitors Association. Willamette River Water Trail The higher up the river you go toward Eugene, the more quiet it will be. At 1.5 miles the trail intersects with the Triangulation Trail (#3373), which leads to Triangulation Peak. The Willamette River Water Trail is a group of properties that provide access and campsites for paddlers along 187 miles of the Willamette River. Black Canyon is within the Winberry Trail Area, with excellent terrain like the Tire Mountain Trail for mountain biking and horseback riding, and the Clover Patch Trail for hiking. The most popular camping and recreation destination comes at the headwaters of the Willamette, at a lake with a peculiar name and history. Average temperatures near 80 degrees Fahrenheit beg you to jump in. Two trails from the Filbert Grove Day-use Area lead to a beach with a gravel bar popular for launching kayaks. The river-path trail system is a paved multi-use path that runs along both sides of the Willamette as it passes through Eugene; and there are a number of pedestrian footbridges connecting North and South banks of the trail, and there are several parks that are connected to the trail. 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