What is a Water Trail?

A Water Trail provides publicly accessible facilities, from State Parks and Greenways, to City and County Parks, that afford the public increased opportunity to easily launch canoes, kayaks, and other craft, and to camp and explore along the river.

The Water Trail Guide provides information for the Upper and Lower Willamette River. The Guide includes where to camp, notes on basic hazards to be aware of, and information on the natural history of the river. It also offers an abundance of information on Leave No Trace Camping, and other helpful hints for traveling along the Willamette RIver responsibly.

Accessing Water Trail campsites is easy. On the water look for signs with the Water Trail logo (like the one above right). The same logo marks campsites in the Guide so you can find the sites and make your Water Trail plans.

Be sure to take advantage of all of the resources listed in the Water Trail Guide. Services range from canoe and kayak rentals, to local Chambers of Commerce that can provide additional information about amenities in their local town along the river.

Take a few days, grab a new waterproof guide, pack your boat, and get out to explore Oregon’s Willamette River Water Trail.