willamettevalley.org | 7 PADDLE THE WILLAMETTE WATER TRAIL You never know what a day on the Willamette River might bring: Perhaps you’ll paddle past an osprey fishing from its banks, watch as a gentle breeze cracks the river’s surface like broken glass or see an otter frolicking in the chilly water. Maybe you’ll pitch a tent at one of roughly 50 campsites along the river and watch the sunset from its quiet shore. Thanks to the Willamette Water Trail, such an experience isn’t just possible—it’s a one-of-a-kind outing that can’t happen anywhere else in the region. Fed by tributaries from the Cascade Mountains, the Willamette Water Trail flows northward for nearly 200 miles (322 kilometers) before emptying into the Columbia River near Portland. Along the way, the river passes through cities large and small, boasts dramatic wildlife-viewing opportunities, o ers all manner of outdoor recreation and showcases the natural beauty of the iconic Willamette Valley. The trail’s campsites—many accessible only by boat—make it possible to string together an overnight outing along the trail, but landings in and around the region’s communities o er the chance to get o the water and enrich your experience as well. GO BIRDING IN THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY’S NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGES The Willamette Valley sits along the Pacific Flyway, a major migratory bird route that stretches from Alaska to Argentina. So every fall and spring, birders around the region are treated to sightings of more than 230 feathered species as they rest, feed and forage throughout the Willamette Valley. In particular, a trio of national wildlife refuges (Baskett Slough, William L. Finley and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuges) are ground zero for spotting both native and migrating birds. Species to watch for include the dusky Canada goose, which winters almost exclusively in the Willamette Valley, as well as herons, mallards, bald eagles, great horned owls, red-tailed hawks and western sandpipers. Pitch a tent at one of roughly 50 campsites along the ver and watch the sunset from its quiet shore. Mountain biking in Oakridge Willamette Water Trail Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge INDIGENOUS LANDS The Willamette Valley is within the Indigenous homelands of the Kalapuya and Molalla peoples. The Molalla, within the northeastern portion of the valley, are recognized as being of two groups: the Northern Molalla and the Santiam band of Molalla. The Kalapuya are historically identified as including approximately 13 tribes or bands: the Tualatin, Yamhill, Pudding River, Luckimute, Santiam, Mary’s River, Calapooia, Muddy River, Tekopa, Long Tom, Chafan, Mohawk, Winnefelly and Yoncalla Kalapuya bands, from north to south in the valley.
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