The Willamette River in Portland is probably the city’s most recognizable feature (yep, even more so than Voodoo Doughnuts or the White Stag sign). It defines the city—separating it into the east and west sides—and determines traffic (since drivers may have to cross one of Portland’s 12 major bridges). And once the weather gets nice, you’ll want to do like the locals with the many fun ways to explore the Willamette River in Portland!

Want to tour a decommissioned submarine? Rent an electric-powered boat to see the 17th widest waterfall in the world? Kayak the Willamette at night in the moonlight? Drink the best PDX craft beers on a Beer Barge? The Willamette River in Portland has all this and more.

If you’re looking for things to do in Portland this spring and summer, it’s just about impossible to miss the Willamette. Read on for 10 ways to have fun on the Willamette River!

Willamette River Fun: What to do in Portland

“Rivers are veins of the earth through which the lifeblood returns to the heart.”

-Roderick Haig-Brown

1. Willamette River kayaking

I grew up whitewater kayaking, and the Willamette River isn’t going to give you the same adrenaline rush. Most of the river is deep, wide and calm, which makes it great for a relaxing paddle—not scary drops and rapids. 

The river’s easygoing pace makes it a terrific opportunity for people who are new to kayaking, and for families. 

There are plenty of places to go Willamette River Kayaking in Portland and lots of companies that rent kayaks, including the Portland Kayak Company. Rates there are $14/hour (minimum 2 hours), and they offer tours. REI also offers guided kayak tours, including moonlight paddles when the moon is full!

2. Walk the loop at Riverfront Park

Start at the fountain on Portland’s West side, cross the Morrison Bridge, circle back along the East side and cross again on the Hawthorne Bridge. This is the classic Portland loop you’ll see walked by moms pushing strollers, locals on lunch break and visitors who want to check out the Willamette—without getting wet

3. Go underwater on a submarine

OMSI’s submarine, the USS Blueback, is part of Portland’s science museum—and is a totally unique way to explore the Willamette River. The submarine won’t actually leave the dock, but you can take a 45-minute tour in this watercraft that was used by the Navy for about three decades.

The USS Blueback submarine has since been decommissioned, but you can explore the tiny bunks where sailors slept, peek through a periscope and make all the boop-boop-boop sound effects your heart desires.

4. See Portland’s bridges on a river cruise

Portland Spirit cruise ships depart from the Tom McCall Waterfront Park several times a day and night. The route takes you along the Willamette River and under several bridges. Most tours also include a meal, though TBH, they’re not the star of the show. The real highlight is the perspective of traveling underneath some of Portland’s 12 gorgeous bridges.

5. Rent your own boat

Last summer, we wanted to do something extra-special and out of the ordinary with my in-laws, so we rented a boat on the Willamette River. We chose to rent an electric boat from the Willamette Falls Electric Boat Company in Oregon City, just upriver (aka south) of Portland.

We powered up and down the Willamette (at slow speed) from Clackamette Park—all on electric energy, so we didn’t pollute the gorgeous river we were enjoying. We cruised up to Willamette Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the United States (and the 17th widest in the world). It’s hard to view from most places, and seeing it from a boat below the falls gives you a one-of-a-kind perspective on this horseshoe-shaped falls.

6. Stand up paddle boarding on the Willamette

Rent a stand up paddle board from George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, a super-mellow park with a wide sand beach. Rentals hear at this mellow, flat stretch of the Willamette start at $19 for an hour.

Older kids can try out SUPing, too. Alder Creek Canoe and Kayak provides life jackets along with a rental, so just show up! Be forewarned they don’t accept reservations, so arrive on the earlier side to ensure you get a SUP.

7. Swim in a tributary

Bring your swimming suit and jump into the Clackamas River where it meets the Willamette. You can swim under the scenic bridge in Oregon City, like all the locals do when the temperatures climb. Park in Clackamette Park to get there. 

8. Swim in the Willamette

So many people ask: Is it safe to swim in the Willamette? The answer is yes—most of the time.

As with any other urban rivers, it’s a good idea to check water quality before you dive in. (You can check Willamette River water quality here.) Once the levels give you a green light, find an urban swimming beach!

We love George Rogers in Lake Oswego (a few minutes’ drive from Downtown Portland), the beaches in Sellwood Park, the swimming area in Cathedral Park and of course the beaches in Sauvie Island. Just pay attention to which one you’re going to; one beach on Sauvie Island is clothing-optional. 

9. Throw the ball for your dog

Does your pup love to fetch in the water? The Willamette is perfect for this. My favorite spots for Fido to enjoy the river are Sellwood Park in Southeast Portland and Mary S. Young state park in West Linn. 

10. Cruise on a beer boat

For the times you have a babysitter, gather a few 21-and-over friends to ride Portland’s beer boat. You BYOB (and sunscreen!) then cruise up and down the Willamette River for a few hours on the BrewBarge. This is a totally Portlandia way to explore the Willamette, and it’s one Portland bucket list experience you won’t forget! ($35-40 per person)

Singing “I’m on a Boat” is optional but encouraged. 😆

Summer fun on the Willamette River

Now that you have some ideas on how to see, paddle, swim, cruise and explore the Willamette River in Portland, are you ready to dive in?? Oregonians love their rivers, and escaping the heat along the water is one of our favorite things to do in Portland. 

Which of these activities would be at the top of your Portland bucket list? 

PS – Looking for more things to do in Portland this summer? Check out my post on our favorite day trips from Portland.