Lower Willamette River Rules for Boat Operation

There are special laws for operating your boat in the Lower Willamette River (from the Hawthorne Bridge to Willamette Falls). Certain activities are not allowed, and others must keep specific distances from structures.

Boat operations from the Hawthorne Bridge to Waverly Marina

From May 1 through September 1, there is a seasonal pass-through zone for boats between the Hawthorne Bridge at river mile 13.2 and Waverly Marina at river mile 17.

In this section of river:

All boats may pass through without reducing speed
PWCs are only allowed to transit through the zone and are not permitted to operate above slow no-wake speed (SNW definition: operating a boat at the slowest speed necessary to maintain steerage and reduce or eliminate waves that appear as whitewater behind the boat)
Towed watersports activities are not allowed in this zone

Learn more about boat wakes

Infographic stating wake surfing is not allowed from the Hawthorne Bridge to Willamette Falls

Resources

Interactive Boat Oregon Map with data layer for local area rules

Video -Rules for Motorboat Operations from the Hawthorne Bridge Upstream to Willamette Falls

Newberg Pool Congestion Zone Rules (RM 55 at the confluence of the Yamhill River to RM 26.6 at Willamette Falls)

Towed Watersports Education Program

Locations with Rules/Education Signage

Signs vary by location and are translated into several languages.

Cathedral Park
Swan Island Boat Ramp
Willamette Park
Sellwood Temporary Tie-up Dock
Milwaukie Bay Park
Tryon Cove Temporary Tie-up Dock
Foothills Temporary Tie-up Dock
Roehr City Park
George Rogers Park
Cedaroak Boat Ramp
Meldrum Bar Boat Ramp
Clackamette Park
Jon Storm Temporary Tie-up Dock
Sportcraft Landing Boat Ramp

The pass-through zone is seasonal, from May 1 - September 30 each year, while the other rules for boat operations in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties are year-round.

Failure to adhere to the rules is a Class B violation with a $265 fine.