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Lower Willamette River Recreation Map (Portland Metro Area)

Accessing the Willamette River 

Portland Metro Area

*This is not an exhaustive list of Willamette River recreation sites, nor is it a complete representation of related rules, regulations and safety precautions. For more information on the access points and parks listed below, scroll down for more information.

EHAP will be taking public comments on this webpage and PDF until Februrary 15th, 2023. To provide feedback on these materials, email EHAP.Info@dhsoha.state.or.us.

View this as a PDF: Lower Willamette Recreation Map.pdf

portland_harbor_v5orange.png

1. Kelley Point Park 

2. Cathedral Park 

3.Gasco Beach cuation symbol red.svg

4.Willamette Cove cuation symbol red.svg

5. Swan Island Boat Ramp

6.Lindbergh's Beach (McCarthy Park)

7. Duckworth Dock

8. Station 21 Firehouse Dock

9. Audrey McCall Beach 

10. Tom McCall Beach 

11. Poet's Beach

12. Cottonwood Bay

13. Typsical's Beach

14. Willamette Park

15. Sellwood River Front Park

16. Powers Marine Park

Know Before You Go:

swimmer symbol.pngSwim Safely 

There are no lifeguards at Lower Willamette River beaches. Beware of physical hazards such as broken glass and logs and consider wearing shoes. Some beaches are known for strong currents. Follow signs that prohibit swimming and where allowed, swim with caution. Review City of Portland's guide to swimming in Portland-area rivers: Click HERE

canoe symbol.pngPaddle With Caution

Paddle craft (kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddle boards, etc.) share the water with motorized watercraft (motorboats, etc.). Use caution and carry a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or lifejacket. 

water drop symbol.pngWater Quality 

The water quality in the Lower Willamette River is generally safe. To be sure, check the water quality before visiting the beach. View City of Portland's "Check the Rec" Willamette River water quality testing: Click HERE

dog microbe symbol.PNGHarmful Algal Blooms (HABs) 

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) can occur during warmer months. HABs produce toxins that can make your pet ill. Check the Oregon Health Authority's HABs advisories page before taking your dog swimming. Click HERE

fish symbol.pngFish Consumption Advisory

There are fish consumption advisories for many Portland-area waterways, which means certain species of fish are not safe to eat. If you plan to eat your catch, always check for fish advisories before you go fishing: Click HERE

caution symbol.pngPortland Harbor Superfund Site

Some locations still have harmful chemicals from past industrial activities. Most of these are within private property. Together, these sites are designated as the Portland Harbor Superfund Site. You should avoid recreating at these sites (e.g., Gasco Beach and Willamette Cove). However, the shore and water are safe to access at other locations along the Lower Willamette River. For more information, visit the U.S. EPA's Portland Harbor Superfund Site Storymap: Click HERE


Additional information on Lower Willamette River access points, docks, beaches, and parks:

1. Kelley Point Park: Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's Kelley Point Park webpage

2. Cathedral Park: Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's Cathedral Park webpage

3. Gasco Beach: Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's webpage on Swimming in the Willamette and Columbia Rivers

4. Willamette Cove: Click HERE to visit Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality's Willamette Cove webpage, Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's webpage on Swimming in the Willamette and Columbia Rivers

5. Swan Island Boat Ramp  

6. Lindbergh's Beach  

7. Duckworth Dock: Click HERE to visit the Human Access Project's Duckworth Dock webpage)

8. Holman / Station 21 Firehouse Dock: Click HERE to visit the Human Access Project's Station 21 Firehouse Dock webpage

9. Audrey McCall Beach: Click HERE to visit the Human Access Project Audrey McCall Beach webpage

10. Tom McCall Bowl Beach / South Waterfront: Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's Tom McCall Park webpage, Click HERE to visit the Human Access Project's Tom McCall Bowl Beach webpage

11. Poet's Beach: Click HERE to visit Portland Parks and Recreation's Poet's Beach webpage, Click HERE to visit the Human Access Project's Poet's Beach webpage

12. Cottonwood Bay: Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's Cottonwood Bay Natural Area webpage)

13. Typsical's Beach 

14. Willamette Park: Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's Willamette Park webpage

15. Sellwood Riverfront Park: Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's Sellwood Riverfront Park webpage, Click HERE to view the Human Access Project's Sellwood Riverfront Park webpage

16. Powers Marine Park: Click HERE to visit the City of Portland's Powers Marine Park webpage

See Portland Parks and Recreation's page for Six Safer Water Access Points (Click HERE)