Willamette Lauded for Access, Named "National Water Trail"

Today about a hundred canoes and kayaks will launch into the Willamette at Linn County’s McCartney Park, marking a federal announcement. The US Department of Interior will recognize the Willamette River as a National Water Trail System.

There are plenty of people who take advantage of the part of the river nearest to them, fishing or boating at spots like this Southeast Portland dock.

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But Willamette Riverkeeper Travis Williams says few people take advantage of the river in its entirety. He hopes this milestone and related signage will help people realize the range of campsites, launches, and other facilities available along the 187-mile river.

“The federal designation will help all of our partners, from the local cities and counties to the state of Oregon continue to make progress,” Williams says. “Over time we’ll have access to grant funding we might obtain to update the website or printing more guides, take some of the water trail sites along the Willamette and upgrade them a bit.”

That might mean adding fire rings or toilet facilities to primitive sites-anything that might make access easier. Only nine other waterways have received this designation, which recognizes accessibility.

This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.