Willamette River in Oregon

Trip Overview

Flow CFS: 7470

ht/ft: 4.26

Water temp: 57 F

We spent the afternoon paddling down the Willamette. The fall colors are out and beautiful. No wind, lots of sunshine, crisp, but warm - a perfect day! We started in Corvallis, OR at Michael's Landing, and went down river to Bryant Park in Albany.

We stopped at Hyak Park for lunch and a restroom break. The little dock is now several inches under water. A group of us broke off and explored a little slough just past Hyak Park on the opposite side of the river. It's a nice little detour, if you want to make the trip a little longer.

The Willamette is a little higher, and a little faster than in the summer, which made it an even more pleasant paddle. The low spots are gone, and the little riffles are smoothed out. There are lots of nice glassy sections. We ran into a number of little whirlpools that make the boats shudder.

We saw the usual ducks and geese on the water, and got rather close to a few of them. Toward the end of the trip, we spotted a family of otter close by. Once the otters spotted the kayaks, they ducked under water and we didn't see them again. One of the best trips we've had this year.

Accommodations:

MICHAELS LANDING: Rocky beach (unimproved ramp?) You can drive down to the water's edge. Sometimes there is a porta potty available, but not always.


HYAK PARK: Good place for a shuttle car. Restrooms, picnic tables, boat ramp.


BRYANT PARK: no ramp, but there is a small beach. You have to carry the boats a short ways to the cars. In the Albany area there are boat ramps at Takena Park, and Bowman Park as well.

Fees:

No

Directions:

To Corvallis: from 1-5 take exit 228 onto Hwy 34, go West to Corvallis. As you near Corvallis, DON'T take the Hwy 34 bypass (left turn) but cross the Willamette River on the Harrison Street Bridge. After crossing the river, turn right on 2nd St., then right on Tyler. Follow the dirt road to the left down to the parking area for Michaels landing.

Resources:

www.willamette-riverkeeper.org/

Willamette River guide: www.willamettewatertrail.org/