Lower Willamette River Rules for Boat Operation

There are special laws for operating your boat in the Lower Willamette River (from the Hawthorne Bridge to Willamette Falls). Certain activities are not allowed, and others must keep specific distances from structures. See the graphics below for details.

Information on seasonal pass through zone Regulations for Ross Island and the Holgate Channel
Wake surfing is prohibited Wakeboarding is permitted 200 feet or more from docks or other structures

Tubing and other inflatable devices are allowed to operate within 200 feet or more from docks and other structures Waterskiing is allowed 100 feet or more from docks or other structures

Boaters must follow slow-no wake rules within 100 feet of docks and other structures

Resources

Lower Willamette River Rulemaking History

Interactive Boat Oregon Map with data layer for local area rules

Video -Rules for Motorboat Operations from the Hawthorne Bridge Upstream to Willamette Falls

Newberg Pool Congestion Zone Rules (RM 55 at the confluence of the Yamhill River to RM 26.6 at Willamette Falls)

Towed Watersports Education Program

Lower Willamette River Rack Card

Locations with Rules/Education Signage

Signs will vary by location and are translated into several languages.

Cathedral Park
Swan Island Boat Ramp
Willamette Park
Sellwood Temporary Tie-up Dock
Milwaukie Bay Park
Tryon Cove Temporary Tie-up Dock
Foothills Temporary Tie-up Dock
Roehr City Park
George Rogers Park
Cedaroak Boat Ramp
Meldrum Bar Boat Ramp
Clackamette Park
Jon Storm Temporary Tie-up Dock
Sportcraft Landing Boat Ramp

The pass-through zone is seasonal, from May 1 - September 30 each year, while the other rules for boat operations in Multnomah and Clackamas Counties are year-round.

Failure to adhere to the rules is a Class B violation with a $265 fine.