Willamette River
Latest Stories

‘Killing salmon to lose money’: A costly, questionable plan on the Willamette
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineer has ruled out opening Willamette River dams and letting fish coast the natural current to help improve survival numbers. It would cost next to nothing and has worked before. The Corps says a costly fish collection machine is the only way to save salmon without disrupting dam operations essential to hydropower customers, farmers and boaters. But in documents and interviews, those users say they can go without.

Health officials lift toxin advisory for part of Willamette River
It's now safe to swim and boat in the North Portland area of the Willamette River, according to Oregon health officials.

Cooler temperatures and rain needed to wash away Willamette River algae bloom
The algae bloom in the Willamette River as it passes through downtown Portland continues to make the water hazardous for recreational use.

Years of work transform ‘beaten down’ area near Eugene into wildlife sanctuary
Less than 10 miles from downtown Eugene, the Willamette Confluence Preserve offers a sanctuary for Oregon wildlife.

100 years of the Willamette’s Arch Bridge
For years people traversed the Willamette River between Oregon City and West Linn by a ferry and later a suspension bridge. Then came the Arch Bridge, providing a historic connection that still stands today.
New boating restrictions on Portland’s Willamette River reduce complaints, create new problems
Rules limit wake surfing and other water sports to ease congestion, safety risks and property damage in crowded areas.

Yakama, Warm Springs tribes celebrate lamprey harvest
Tribal nations harvested hundreds of slippery eel-like fish called lamprey from the Willamette Falls over the weekend for a tribal fish bake and celebration.

Grand Ronde tribes pull out of Willamette Falls partnership
The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde sent a letter Thursday informing the Willamette Falls Legacy Trust that they will no longer participate in partnership discussions around building a riverwalk to restore public access to the falls.
Judge orders immediate actions at Willamette Basin dams to help salmon, steelhead
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must begin taking actions to improve passage for chinook salmon and winter steelhead struggling to survive.

Marine board votes to restrict wake sports on Portland’s Willamette River
The Oregon State Marine Board has approved new restrictions on motorized watersports in a crowded section of the Willamette River in Portland.