The Willamette River is host to a plethora of activity all year long. Personally, it is a huge part of my everyday life. My condo looks out upon it and I marvel at how gorgeous it is at all times of the day, in all weather, in every season. My exercise takes me for walks along both sides, north and south. Friends of mine have a boat so I'm cruising the river often. Even though I swim daily, I just can't get over the pollution to swim or even float in it, unfortunately. That's ok, I'm not deducting a star for that! There is still too much good, too much beauty for me to knock it down a notch.
Along both sides of the river there are many entry points for those that want to kayak or launch a boat. In the early morning there are lots of fishing boats between the Hawthorne and Tilikum bridges. On the SE side, there is a floating dock where people enjoy sunbathing and swimming. You can also rent bicycles and take a long ride along the East esplanade and cross over several bridges and continue your ride down Tom McCall Park. This way you can see the River and City from different angles and vistas.
You can rent jet skies and really enjoy the river first hand! Or take a Jet boat tour that goes south to Lake Oswego. The Portland Spirit offers dinner cruises, sunset cruises, themed cruises, and is the perfect place to be when The Christmas Ships are sailing. There are even electric boats you can rent on the SW side at RiverPlace Marina. After a quick lesson, you are the captain and up to ten friends can join you. Oh, and don't forget the beer boats that paddle up and down the river as you throw down pints.
On the SW side is RiverPlaceMarina with boats of all sizes. It's fun to walk along the dock and get a different view of the Willamette down low at the water level. This is where the Dragon boats dock and practice. The Dragon boats themselves are absolutely beautiful, each with different dragons, expressions and vibrant colors. Every March-June the teams practice early morning and early evening and I look forward to watching them practice while having my coffee or a glass of wine on my balcony. As much as I look forward to the race, which is usually the second weekend in June, I enjoy the daily practices more. It's the perfect backdrop while I'm doing things around my condo.
The RiverPlace Esplanade is a nice walk along the Marina, with McCormick & Schmidt's and The Kimpton Hotel/King Tide restaurant anchoring the ends with a few restaurants, ice cream stands and shops sprinkled in between. All with a view of the Willamette and perfect for people watching.
There is Beach access at Poet's Beach, just south of the Marina under the Marcom Bridge. It's a tiny beach, but in the summer they rope off an area of the water and people do swim and play there. More often, people walk their dogs there and let them frolic in the water.
Tom McCall Waterfront Park, the place of countless festivals and charity walks (Brew Fest, Bite of Oregon, Cinco De Mayo, Rose Festival, Pride Parade, Susan G. Koman Walk, Alzheimer's Awareness Walk and so much more) is always a great place for people watching even when there isn't an event. There are always lots of people walking, riding bikes, skateboards, renting bicycles built for four, and scooters wizzing by.
The Blues Festival, a five day celebration which is scheduled to include the July 4th fireworks, also takes place in this area. Watching the fireworks over the Willamette is definitely a highlight every year! The barge is south of the Hawthorne Bride, perfect for those attending the festival or anyone lining both sides of the river and the bridges.
The Rose Festival kicks off with their own fireworks display the Friday night prior. It's not as long in duration as the City's July 4th display, and they set them off by the Morrison Bridge rather than the Hawthorne, but they are still beautiful to see!
The Saturday Market is bustling with people on weekends from March through Christmas, with many people taking a stroll along the Willamette after their trip to the market, enjoying the river as a beautiful backdrop for a walk.
Yes, I get angry seeing the trash, litter, cigarette butts, broken glass that people leave behind but I can't blame the River! Which is why I am still giving it 5 stars. The Willamette is a major tributary of the Columbia River and it is a working river. It's also home to lots of wildlife and has provided entertainment for Portlanders and tourists for many years. Do your part to keep it clean so future generations can also enjoy the Willamette for many years. read more