Oregon City - Viewing Willamette Falls

Oregon City was built around Willamette Falls, where the Willamette River drops shortly before joining the Clackamas River. The portage required because of the falls and power provided by them was all an important part of the history and shaped the region.

They are also kind of hard to see.

The river takes kind of a bend right around there, and then there are the elevation changes and structures and trees... there is plenty to see in Oregon City if you never look for the falls, but here are some potential viewpoints if you want to.

The Municipal Elevator and along the McLoughlin Promenade:

These are not good pictures, but there are glimpses. When you have two eyes, you can see some things better than your camera sees them. I have not been all along the promenade yet, so there might be some better viewpoints, but angles and trees and structures get in the way.

Willamette Falls Scenic Overlook

Located off of Interstate 205, Northbound right before Oregon City, this has the same issues with angles and vegetation getting in the way, plus the distance is a little greater. It did occur to us that you might have a better view in winter when the leaves are down.

Oregon City Arch Bridge

This is as close as you get without being on the water, and it is a pretty good view, though this picture is using the zoom (you still aren't that close). Those two paddle boarders are getting pretty close.

Jon Storm Park

When we were driving back from Roake's (review coming!), we had a moment before passing under an overpass that gave us a pretty clear view of the falls. It would not have been a good place to stop, but we realized that we could approximate it by stopping at the park, and that's what we did.

Jon Storm Park is adjacent to Clackamette Park and home to the Abernethy Elm Stump, which I did not notice while I was there, but that's why looking on maps is fun.

From the water

Those paddle boarders had the right idea. There are lots of options for approaching by water, but safety first.

The best view we have ever had of the falls was when we took our jet boat ride.

http://sporktogo.blogspot.com/2017/11/portland-willamette-jet-boat-excursions.html