Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
Product photo
/ Boat
Select date and participants
At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

2-Hour Scenic River Boat Tour on the Willamette River

5 (8)
Portland, US
Share

2-Hour Scenic River Boat Tour on the Willamette River

5 (8)
Portland, US
Share
Please wait, fetching options!
Embark on a thrilling 2-Hour Scenic River Boat Tour on the magnificent Willamette River and discover the hidden gems of Portland's downtown waterfront. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the largest waterfall in the Northwestern United States and immerse yourself in the fascinating history and natural beauty that surrounds this calm waterway. Cruise under the iconic Hawthorne Bridge, the oldest vertical-lift bridge in operation in the United States, and admire the architectural wonder of the Steel Bridge, one of the most multimodal bridges in the world. Feel the excitement as you pass by the cable-stayed Tilikum Crossing, exclusively designed for transit vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Experience the serenity of Elk Rock Island and the enchanting George Rogers Park, both offering picturesque landscapes and a glimpse into the region's rich heritage. Discover the allure of Willamette Falls, the captivating horseshoe-shaped waterfall and locks that boast the title of the largest waterfall by water volume in the Northwest. Witness the stunning beauty of the Clackamas River and Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, where nature thrives in harmony. Uncover the historical significance of Oregon City, the first capital of the Oregon Territory, and explore the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. Conclude your adventure at the scenic Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park, a 36.59-acre oasis that offers breathtaking views of the Willamette River. This 2-Hour Scenic River Boat Tour promises a unique and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • 2 hours
  • Suitable for 1-6 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Self Guided Experience
  • Largest waterfall in the Northwestern United States
  • Explore Portland's downtown waterfront
  • Experience urban wildlife
  • Admire beautiful bridges from the water
  • Discover the storied history and amazing nature
  • Life Jackets
  • Heated blankets
  • Snacks

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Your Itinerary

Portland

(Pass by)

Portland is a port city in the Pacific Northwest and the largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County, the most populous county in Oregon. As of 2020, Portland had a population of 652,503, making it the 26th-most populated city in the United States, the sixth-most populous on the West Coast, and the second-most populous in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle. Approximately 2.5 million people live in the Portland metropolitan statistical area, making it the 25th most populous in the United States. About half of Oregon's population resides within the Portland metropolitan area.

Hawthorne Bridge

(Pass by)

The Hawthorne Bridge is a truss bridge with a vertical lift that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, joining Hawthorne Boulevard and Madison Street. It is the oldest vertical-lift bridge in operation in the United States and the oldest highway bridge in Portland. It is also the busiest bicycle and transit bridge in Oregon, with over 8,000 cyclists and 800 TriMet buses (carrying about 17,400 riders) daily. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 2012.

Steel Bridge

(Pass by)

The Steel Bridge is a through truss, double-deck vertical-lift bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States, opened in 1912. Its lower deck carries railroad and bicycle/pedestrian traffic, while the upper deck carries road traffic (on the Pacific Highway West No. 1W, former Oregon Route 99W), and light rail (MAX), making the bridge one of the most multimodal in the world. It is the only double-deck bridge with independent lifts in the world and the second oldest vertical-lift bridge in North America, after the nearby Hawthorne Bridge. The bridge links the Rose Quarter and Lloyd District in the east to the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood in the west.

Tilikum Crossing

(Pass by)

Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People is a cable-stayed bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States. It was designed by TriMet, the Portland metropolitan area's regional transit authority, for its MAX Orange Line light rail passenger trains. The bridge also serves city buses and the Portland Streetcar, as well as bicycles, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. Private cars and trucks are not permitted on the bridge. It is the first major bridge in the U.S. that was designed to allow access to transit vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians but not cars.

Elk Rock Island

(Pass by)

Elk Rock Island is an island on the Willamette River in the U.S. state of Oregon. The 12- to 13-acre (4.9- to 5.3-ha) island, formed 40 million years ago by a volcano, was given to Portland by Peter Kerr in 1940. The city of Milwaukie took ownership of the park in April 2016. The island is accessible via Spring Park.

Oregon City

(Pass by)

Known in recent decades as the site of several large paper mills on the Willamette River, the city played a significant role in the early history of the Oregon Country. It was established by Hudson's Bay Company's Dr. John McLoughlin in 1829 near the confluence of the Clackamas River with the Willamette to take advantage of the power of Willamette Falls to run a lumber mill. During the 1840s and 1850s, it was the destination for those wanting to file land claims after traveling the Oregon Trail as the last stop on the trail. It was the capital of the Oregon Territory from its establishment in 1848 until 1851 and rivaled Portland for early supremacy in the area. In 1846, the city's newspaper, the Oregon Spectator, was the first American newspaper to be published west of the Rocky Mountains. Oregon City was the site of the Beaver Coins Mint, producing the short-lived independent Oregon Territory currency in 1849.

George Rogers Park

(Pass by)

George Rogers Park is Lake Oswego's first community park and one of its most diverse. Situated on the Willamette River, the park is the site of significant Native American activity over 10,000 years ago. In the early 19th century, the river landing at the mouth of Oswego Creek was a convenient camping place for explorers, fur traders, and pioneers. In the words of a Lake Oswego resident, it was "a stopping place, a sort of relay station for boats both large and small, plying up and down the river between Astoria and Champoeg."

Willamette Park

(Pass by)

Willamette Park is a city park of about 26 acres (11 ha) in south Portland, in the U.S. state of Oregon. Located at Southwest Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street, the park includes a boat dock and ramp, paved and unpaved paths, picnic areas, restrooms, a dog off-leash area, a playground, a soccer field, and tennis courts.

Willamette Falls

(Pass by)

The Willamette Falls is a horseshoe-shaped block waterfall caused by a basalt shelf in the river bottom. The 42-foot-high and 1,500-foot-wide falls occurs 26 river miles upstream from the Willamette's confluence with the Columbia River. It's the largest waterfall by water volume in the Northwest and the 18th largest by volume. Around the falls are the locks, which are the oldest continuously operating multi-lift lock and canal system in the United States.

Clackamas River

(Pass by)

The Clackamas River is located to the west of the Cascade Range and to the south of the Columbia River Gorge in northern Oregon. Flowing northwest from its sources high in the Cascade Mountains, the designated portion of the river, which is 47 miles (75.6 km) in length, runs from Big Spring (headwaters area) to Big Cliff, just south of the town of Estacada. This most picturesque region is entirely within the Mt. Hood National Forest and encompasses forested lands, wetlands, riparian areas and rock cliffs.

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

(Pass by)

Portland Parks & Recreation's Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a 163-acre complex of meadows, woodlands, and wetlands in Portland on the east bank of the Willamette River, just north of the Sellwood Bridge.

Milwaukie

(Pass by)

Milwaukie was settled in 1847 and formally platted in 1849 as a rival to the upriver Oregon City by Lot Whitcomb, who named it for Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the time, the Wisconsin city was also frequently spelled "Milwaukie" before the current spelling was adopted

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

(Pass by)

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI, /ˈɒmziː/ OM-zee) is a science and technology museum in Portland, Oregon, United States. It contains three auditoriums, including a large-screen theatre, planetarium, and exhibition halls with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits focused on natural sciences, industry, and technology. Transient exhibits span a wider range of disciplines.

Clackamette Park

(Pass by)

Clackamette Park is a public park in Oregon City, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The park has a boat ramp,[1] and served as a film location for Grimm

USS Blueback Submarine

(Pass by)

USS Blueback (SS-581) is a Barbel-class submarine that served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1990, and subsequently was made into an exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. She was the second Navy submarine to bear the name.

Tom McCall Waterfront Park

(Pass by)

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a 36.59-acre (148,100 m2) park located in downtown Portland, Oregon, along the Willamette River. After the 1974 removal of Harbor Drive, a major milestone in the freeway removal movement, the park was opened to the public in 1978. The park covers 13 tax lots and is owned by the City of Portland (Portland Parks and Recreation). The park was renamed in 1984 to honor Tom McCall, the Oregon governor who pledged his support for the beautification of the west bank of the Willamette River—harkening back to the City Beautiful plans at the turn of the century which envisioned parks and greenways along the river. The park is bordered by RiverPlace to the south, the Steel Bridge to the north, Naito Parkway to the west, and Willamette River to the east. In October 2012, Waterfront Park was voted one of America's ten greatest public spaces by the American Planning Association.

More about this experience

Introduction

Escape to the stunning beauty of the Willamette River with the 2-Hour Scenic River Boat Tour. Get ready for an unforgettable experience as you embark on a journey through Portland's downtown waterfront, urban wildlife, and majestic bridges. This tour offers a unique perspective of the city, allowing you to appreciate its natural wonders from the tranquil waters.

What to Expect?

During this 2-hour tour, you can expect to witness the largest waterfall in the Northwestern United States, Willamette Falls. Be captivated by the picturesque scenery as the river takes you on a soothing journey. Marvel at Portland's vibrant downtown waterfront and its bustling atmosphere. Experience the thrill of passing through iconic bridges like the Hawthorne and Steel Bridge. Immerse yourself in the rich history and natural splendor of the Willamette River.

Who is this for?

This scenic river boat tour is perfect for nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you are a local looking to explore your city from a different perspective or a visitor wanting to discover the hidden gems of Portland, this tour is suitable for all. Bring along your family, friends, or loved ones, and create lasting memories together on the tranquil waters of the Willamette River.

Why Book This?

Embarking on the 2-Hour Scenic River Boat Tour promises an unforgettable experience. It offers a unique opportunity to explore Portland's downtown waterfront, admire its stunning bridges, and witness the grandeur of Willamette Falls, the largest waterfall in the Northwestern United States. The tour provides a relaxing and soothing escape from the city's hustle, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. The knowledgeable guides will share fascinating insights about the area's history and wildlife, enriching your journey. Don't miss the opportunity to see the city from a different perspective and capture stunning photographs along the way.

Good to Know

This 2-hour tour takes you on a scenic journey through the Willamette River, showcasing Portland's captivating downtown waterfront and iconic bridges. Be prepared to be amazed by the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings. Remember to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking moments. Dress comfortably and bring layers, as the weather on the river can change. Snacks and beverages are available for purchase onboard. Please note that private cars and trucks are not permitted on the Tilikum Crossing, giving you a unique chance to experience a bridge dedicated to transit vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, but not cars.

Reviews

Customers who have taken the 2-Hour Scenic River Boat Tour rave about the unique perspectives it offers. They highly recommend this tour for its stunning views, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to see Portland's downtown waterfront and bridges from a different angle. Many reviewers were particularly enthralled by Willamette Falls, praising its grandeur and the chance to witness the largest waterfall in the Northwestern United States. Overall, visitors describe the tour as peaceful, enchanting, and a must-do for both locals and tourists alike.

Reviews

(8)

5 (8)

jimrunred

The tour and the captain, went the extra yard to get us a trip at last moment. The tour was a great deal of fun and wonder. Catain Charles was terrific, made it very special indeed. I could not more highly recommend this trip and Captain Charles. Will do more turs with this combination

Y1984SQamys

We had a wonderful experience! Celebrating my Dad's 80th birthday on the Willamette River was perfect. We had beautiful weather and a peaceful trip -- saw Willamette falls and 2 bald eagles and learned a lot about the history of the area.

LarsfromMars66

A beautiful evening out on the water looking at birds and bridges. It was warm with not a lot of water traffic. Guide was accommodating and knowledgeable.

Kenna126

Had a really good time with Captain Charles the boat was very spacious and clean and saw the waterfalls and it was beautiful definitely recommend this for everyone!!!

LizFrazzettaYo

I took a downtown Portland bridge tour 7pm-9pm to enjoy the sunset. The boat was comfortable and clean, you can tell the captain makes a real effort to keep everything presentable! I loved our timing for the sunset and I’m looking forward to going again. This is a great experience whether you’re visiting from out of town or have lived here your whole life!

Whitney L

This is so great to do with friends or family visiting Portland! Charles is a great boat captain, he knows so much about this area! My family loves learning about the spaces they visit, so they really enjoyed his first hand knowledge of the place. He is there if you want to ask questions, or if you want to spend time with your guests. He is not overbearing on your boating experience which I totally love!! I also appreciate that he has two options for tours- choose to go towards the falls in Oregon City and see a rocky, cliffside landscape of Portland that you cannot see by land OR choose to take the downtown boat tour and see the downtown area and iconic Portland bridges! Two tour options means you and your guests can do this in years to come and have different experiences. The pickup at Willamette Boat Ramp was perfect. Its easy to find and has tons of parking. Thank you, Charles, we will be back!!

kellybD7347FG

We went on a tour of the bridges downtown it was a beautiful day. I felt very safe and comfy. Everyone had a great time and captain Charles knew a lot about the Willamette river. Will definitely be booking again when we are back in town. What a crowd pleaser and gray way to spend time.

Z7467TNaliw

I had an amazing time with Captain Charles Arnell! He was extremely knowledgable. He explained a lot about the history or the Willamette. It was a beautiful and clean boat. I felt safe the whole time! I had my grandmother with me, and she was extremely pleased. The waterfall is a MUST see! Thank you again Captain Charles! HIGHLY recommend. 10/10.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-03-28 23:53