Can you float on the Willamette River? Yes, you can float or swim on the Willamette River, but it’s not the easiest or safest bet. Currents are much stronger and there’s debris, boat traffic etc. The Willamette is best for a quick dip while playing near shore. Or in July during The Big Float event.
✅ 👎 👎 WILLAMETTE - SELLWOOD TO HAWTHORNE - Drop-off: Sellwood Riverfront Park (20 min) The best place to put in on this urban float is Sellwood Riverfront Park and float to the Hawthorne boat dock. The best part about this float is all the wonderful bars and restaurants that reside nearby its ending point. - 3 miles - ? Hours - park at takeout near pcc climb center on street - Will need to paddle on this float - Will be boat traffic - Best for kayaking or paddle boarding
BIG FLOAT
Gates open at 10am to provide ample time to beat the crowds, inflate your innertube, check in valuables and maybe take a pre-dip in the river. It wouldn’t be a proper Portland celebration without a parade. We line up at Tom McCall Waterfront Bowl with everyone carrying their floats. Led by a marching band, we amble upstream along the Esplanade to the put-in at Poet’s Beach under Marquam Bridge. Innertube parade: starts 12:30 pm Floaters then paddle themselves out into the current and down the majestic Willamette River to the Tom McCall Bowl. Bringing a small paddle can help you propel your watercraft through the waves. Our River Stage (not the Main Stage on land) will provide sound waves as you pass by. The Big Float is not a regatta or race. Take your time and make a second float if you wish. Nine Food Carts! Altengartz German Bratwurst Taqueria la Merced Bellagios Pizza Bayou Bros Cajun Boils Cambodian Street Food Pidgin Hole Alchemy Sandwich Co. Mobile Scoop Shop Kona Shaved Ice We Grub, LLC