Willamette Falls

Willamette Falls is a broad cascade on the Willamette River located between Oregon City and West Linn, Oregon, and is one of the largest waterfalls by volume in the continental United States. The falls measure about 40 feet (12 meters) high and roughly 1,500 feet (460 meters) across.

The site offers multiple public viewpoints and riverfront parks on both the Oregon City and West Linn sides that provide close and panoramic views of the falls. The wide crest makes it easy to see the whole cascade from several vantage points; nearby trails and viewing platforms allow visitors to walk along the riverfront and see industrial-era structures close to the water.

The falls were a traditional fishing and cultural place for Indigenous peoples and became a center for industry after Euro-American settlement. Navigation works and locks were constructed in the 19th century to allow river traffic around the falls; the site later supported mills and hydroelectric development.

Geographically the falls sit on the Willamette River where it narrows between the cities of Oregon City and West Linn, about 13 miles (21 kilometers) south of downtown Portland. The surrounding landscape is urban on both banks with riverfront parks and streets providing direct access.

• Best viewing point: Public viewing platforms at Riverfront Park on the Oregon City side give close views; the falls are about 1,500 feet wide so a panoramic vantage is best.
• Industrial history: A significant industrial site since the 19th century, the area contains remnants of mills and former navigation works including locks built in the 19th century.

What to See #

• Riverfront Park (Oregon City): On the Oregon City side, a public Riverfront Park provides paved walkways and a viewing platform near the falls with interpretive panels and river access.
• West Linn riverfront: The West Linn shoreline offers alternative viewpoints and walking paths on the opposite bank, giving panoramic perspectives across the full width of the falls.