South of Portland, the Narrows of the Willamette River are basalt rock formations carved out by the Missoula Floods at the end of the last ice age. Now the Narrows present a rock-based obstacle course of channels and islands that morph dramatically with the water level.
County: Clackamas
Put-in: Willamette Park Bernert Landing and dock in West Linn
Takeout: Same as put-in
Distance: Typically 1 to 5 miles
Float time: Self-dependent
Difficulty rating: Easy in low water; intermediate to advanced in high water
Rapids: Can present some whitecaps of consequence depending on water level, particularly in high water
Waterway type: Wide and deep river; several narrow channels and eddies through the Narrows
Current: Minimal in low water; fast current in high water
River gradient: N/A
River gauge: N/A
Land status: City park
Nearest town: Portland
Boats used: Canoe or kayak
Season: Year-round
Fees and permits: None
Schedule: N/A
Maps: Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas: Page 106 H4–5
Getting there: From Portland, take I-5 South to I-205 North. Take exit 6 and make a right onto 10th Street. Turn right onto Willamette Falls Drive and then left on 12th Street to where it dead-ends at Volpp Street. Make a left onto Volpp and then a right into the boat launch parking area. GPS: N45° 20.341' / W122° 38.961'
THE PADDLE
The Narrows can run the gamut from a tranquil, easy paddle up to a rollicking thrill ride—and everything in between. The channels and islands that form the Narrows grow and shrink with the water level of the Willamette; and as you might imagine, currents, eddies, potential lines, and everything else change commensurately. You never know exactly what you’re going to get until you’re in it. So if you’re a beginning paddler, start with low water levels, familiarize yourself, and work up to the higher water. The islands in this area are under the management of The Nature Conservancy and Oregon Metro, the elected government for the Portland metropolitan area. They are open to the public, but please be mindful of the habitat.
From the put-in, head south, which is upriver on this part of the Willamette. On your right you’ll immediately paddle past where the Tualatin River joins the Willamette. How you explore the Narrows is completely a matter of personal choice. One good low-water route is to paddle along the west side of the Willamette and look for the first island of the Narrows, straight ahead. You might want to avoid the channel on the east side of the river, as it eventually dead-ends.
Paddle just to the left, or east side, of the first island, paddling toward Rock Island, the large landmass in the middle of the river. Stay left, or on the east side, of Rock Island, making your way through a channel. Paddle under a set of power lines and continue toward the end of Rock Island, which will appear as a small passage on the right, depending on water level. You can paddle through here, but I recommend veering left and then upriver, exploring the islands and channels of the Narrows.
If you continue paddling upriver, you’ll eventually spit out of the Narrows. Paddle to the right and begin heading downriver, with Rock Island and its numerous satellite islands to the east. Paddle over to the west side of the river and hug the shore, making your way into another channel formed by the first island you encountered at the beginning of the paddle. There’s more exploring to be had here. As the channel tightens, cliffs rise on the left and small passages between mini-islands open on the right. Once past the island, continue paddling downriver to the put-in at Willamette Park, just past the mouth of the Tualatin River on the left.
During fast or high water, paddling against the current through some of the channels is not possible. Consider paddling upriver against the west bank and returning downriver through the channels.
Local Information
Post-paddle food and drink: J Willy’s Public House & Eatery, 1717 Willamette Falls Dr., West Linn