Willamette
state:
Oregon
run:
Irish Bend County Park to Crystal Lake Boat Ramp
Drainage:
Columbia
Class:
Flatwater to I
Flow:
7200 cfs, 1.3 feet (at Corvallis)
Gradient:
low
Length:
19.2 miles
Season:
Smarch A beautiful day on the front-yard river of most Oregonians. We started with 12 people, but split into two groups, one group opting for a shorter trip that spent more time exploring back channels and a longer trip that mostly just paddled downstream. If you have not spent time paddling the Willamette, you should. The Willamette is the 13th largest river in the US, and it is right out your door. From steep headwaters draining Waldo Lake to long pools and sloughs in the lower river, the Willamette has something for everyone to explore. This is a good day trip. Shorter trips, or trips with a camp stop, alllow more exploration of back channels. We saw no fewer than five adult Bald Eagles as well as red-tailed hawks, Northern harriers, pileated woodpeckers, downy woodpekcers, goldeneyes, GBHs, kingfishers, geese, plovers, killdeer, robins, and a huge flock of crows. Another good trip is Albany to Buena Vista!
Note: trip report written by Mark Taratoot; sparcplug transfered content from old web site.
Hazards:
Always be alert for strainers! People die routinely on the Willamette when they are trapped in strainers. Don't be next.
Access:
Irish Bend and Corvallis are on the west side of the river. The halfway point, Peoria, is on the east side. There are LOTS of other access points.
Gauge:
See Pat Welch's page. We use the Corvallis gauge. 
