WILLAMETTE RIVER GUIDE

Willamette River Guide

A nationally recognized Oregon water trail with paddling, fishing, river camping, city access and live USGS water data.

Photo: Stuart Seeger · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
River story
History, landscapes and river context
Fishing
Species, water and places to explore
Boating
Paddling, boating and access
Live data
Current USGS gauges along the river
LIVE WILLAMETTE RIVER DATA

Willamette River levels, gauges and monitoring stations

Check the live river overview or open an individual USGS gauge for current streamflow, gauge height, trends and historical context.

EXPLORE THE RIVER

Follow the Willamette River

Trace the Willamette north through the Willamette Valley from the Eugene area toward Portland and the Columbia River.

Loading river map…
River path derived from U.S. Geological Survey NLDI hydrography.
The Willamette River in Eugene, Oregon.
THE WILLAMETTE STORY

The river at the center of the Willamette Valley

For thousands of years the Willamette has been a source of food, transportation and settlement through western Oregon. The river still connects farms, cities, wildlife habitat and recreation across the valley.

10,000+ years
Life along the river
People have lived in the Willamette basin for thousands of years, using the river for food, water and transportation.
1800s
Settlement and commerce
The Willamette became a central transportation and agricultural corridor as towns grew throughout the valley.
Today
A nationally recognized water trail
The mainstem water trail now connects public launches, paddle-in campsites, parks and communities from the Eugene area to Portland.
Photo: Rick Obst · CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · Historical and recreation context: Oregon State Marine Board and Oregon State Parks
FISHING

Fishing the river

Fishing opportunities vary from trout and warmwater species in upper reaches to salmon, steelhead, bass and sturgeon in the lower river and Portland area.

Fish you may encounter

Chinook Salmon
Steelhead
Smallmouth Bass
White Sturgeon
Trout

Where the river changes

FISHING AREA
Upper and middle Willamette
Moving water, side channels and tributary mouths create varied fishing habitat through the valley.
FISHING AREA
Lower Willamette and Portland
The lower river connects directly with the Columbia and supports major migratory fisheries alongside warmwater opportunities.
Before you fish
  • Salmon, steelhead and sturgeon regulations can change by season and reach.
  • Check current Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations before fishing.
BOATING & PADDLING

On the water

The Willamette Water Trail is accessible to a wide range of paddlers, but current, wood hazards, wind and seasonal water levels still require planning.

Eugene to Corvallis ↗
Generally the faster-moving portion of the mainstem water trail, with side channels and dynamic wood hazards.
Kayaking Canoeing Paddle camping
Corvallis to Newberg ↗
Current moderates through the middle valley while public access and paddle-in campsites support multi-day trips.
Kayaking Canoeing Camping
Newberg to Portland ↗
The river widens and flattens as it approaches the Portland metropolitan area.
Kayaking Canoeing Recreational boating
Know before you go
  • River channels, woody debris and water levels can change throughout the year.
  • Oregon Waterway Access Permits are required for many non-motorized boats 10 feet and longer.
  • Plan a shuttle and alternate campsites before multi-day trips.
PARKS & ACCESS

Places to reach the river

Willamette River Water Trail ↗
Public launches and paddle-in campsites are mapped along the 187-mile mainstem water trail.
Willamette River Greenway ↗
Public greenway lands protect river scenery, habitat and recreation access throughout the valley.
Willamette River Guide | Levels, Fishing, Boating & Access