Whitewater Park Initiatives

Whitewater Park Overview

The We Love Clean Rivers Inc (WLCR) whitewater park initiative started as a result of American Whitewater's involvement in the hydro relicensing of the PGE dams on the Clackamas River. As part of a FERC requirement, WLCR received a Mt. Hood Territory grant to hire engineers and study the feasibility of developing a whitewater park on the Clackamas.

After investigating several sites and consulting with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), we concluded that the Clackamas River presented major barriers to development. Encouraged to evaluate other sites, ODFW identified Willamette Falls as having the most potential. Following the Blue Heron Mill bankruptcy and Metro's easement negotiations for a riverwalk, WLCR secured a grant to create a concept design for the Blue Heron site (now Grand Ronde Tribal property) and commissioned an economic report with Eco NW.

While the whitewater park plan was not adopted into Metro's larger riverwalk plan, the process created valuable documentation. Ultimately, WLCR decided to create a new plan for connecting the Willamette Water Trail through Willamette Falls via a Portage Trail. These finalized plans now contribute to the exciting conversation regarding the future of Willamette Falls.