Discover the Willamette River on the Willamette River Water Trail, 187 miles of scenic beauty.
Enjoy views of meadows, forests, farms, and cities. Keep an eye out for plentiful birds and wildlife. Plan for stops in nearby towns to try Oregon wine, locally-made craft beers, and amazing farm-to-table food.
Boating the Willamette River in Corvallis, Oregon, by Lainey Morse.
Whether relaxing with an afternoon paddle or starting a multi-day trip, you’ll want to know the basics before getting started. Here’s a quick rundown of what to know: 
WillametteWaterTrail.org
Safety first, wear a lifejacket: Personal floatation devices (PFDs or lifejackets) are not required for adults—but are nevertheless strongly encouraged whenever you’re on the water. Children 12 and younger are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket whenever the boat is underway. (The Oregon State Marine Board hosts a website on various lifejacket styles and how to choose the right PFD for your preferred activity.)
Keep your distance: Try to avoid crowded boat ramps, and maintain at least six feet of physical distance (roughly the length of a kayak paddle) from others whenever possible—even on the water; if it is not possible to keep that distance, you are required to wear a face-covering in public places (indoors or out) throughout Oregon.
Ensure you have the proper permit: All paddle craft 10 feet and longer are required to carry an Oregon State Marine Board Waterway Access Permit ($7 for a seven-day pass, $17 for an annual pass, $30 for a two-year pass). These permits help fund the aquatic invasive species prevention program and grants to develop or improve paddling access for boating facility providers, and paddling without a permit may lead to a $115 fine.
Respect Private Property: Private property borders much of the Willamette Water Trail; assume that property, unless otherwise noted on a sign or map, is private—and take care to respect all signs that warn against trespassing or hunting.
Share the water: Listen for the occasional motorboat, and paddle closer together in groups when you hear a motorboat approaching. Motorboats need deeper water to safely operate and pass.
Leave No Trace: Please abide by the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace; those principles include remembering to plan ahead and prepare, dispose of waste properly, and respect wildlife. (And while you’re outdoors, remember to Take Care Out There.)
Kayaking the Willamette River, by Jennifer Johnson.
Peak Sports has an excellent selection of high-quality bicycles ready for you in their rental and demo inventory, from cruisers to electric assist to full suspension mountain bikes and everything in between. You can also rent other outdoors gear too - everything from climbing gear to kayaks, and more.
Boat landings in the Benton County-area include Peoria Park, the Willamette Boat Landing, Irish Bend Park, Hyak Park, and Micheal's Landing. Click the previous links for maps and/or more information.
The Willamette Boat Landing and Micheal's Landing are located in Corvallis. Micheal's Landing is adjacent to downtown Corvallis, near to many shopping and dining opportunities, as well as museums, art galleries, and more. The Willamette Boat Landing is located in South Corvallis, near to 4 Spirits Distillery and Block 15's taproom, and only a short drive from downtown Corvallis, plus it offers plenty of parking, including for vehicles towing trailers.
Download the Willamette River Recreation Guide as a free .pdf for maps, landing locations, and more information for the entire Willamette River, including Benton County.
Photos taken pre-COVID-19.
