Oregon is a paradise for boating enthusiasts. Along with its spectacular shoreline and pristine alpine lakes, our state has an abundance of rivers to explore, from the picturesque Columbia River at its northern border to the rambling Rogue River in Southern Oregon. Read on to learn how to best experience Oregon’s rivers by boat!

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Before You Go

Before you load up your boat and hit the road, be sure to look up the boating regulations at your destination. Most major rivers in Oregon have areas that are closed to motorized watercraft, which are known as “no-wake zones.” Speed and noise restrictions may be enforced in areas that do permit powerboats.

Take note of any hazards specific to your destination, and keep in mind that river boating is going to be more challenging than boating on a lake. River currents and water levels can be unpredictable, and you may have to navigate around barge traffic. Keep your eye on the weather forecast leading up to your voyage, and always follow local laws and safety guidelines.

Columbia River

The largest river in the Pacific Northwest is the mighty Columbia, forming the border between Oregon and Washington. Here you’ll find ample opportunities for small-boat cruising, and dozens of small islands, boat ramps, and anchorages. Watch out for the fierce winds that tear through the Columbia Gorge. They don’t call Hood River the windsurfing capital of the world for nothing! Stick with the summer months for a more relaxing experience on the Columbia.

Willamette River

The Willamette is the vital waterway passing through Oregon’s most populated areas, including the cities of Portland, Salem, and Eugene. It’s also one of the few major rivers in the US that flows primarily north. It may come as no surprise that this river is one of the state’s most popular watersports destinations, but did you know that some of Portland’s riverfront pubs have their own boat docks? There’s no better way to cap off a full day of wakeboarding than with a Willamette River bar crawl.

Snake River

The wild, rugged Snake River runs through Hells Canyon on the Oregon-Idaho border. The Hells Canyon Dam in Oxbow, OR, is the ideal place to begin your Snake River voyage. Navigate through foamy, churning rapids and enjoy the spectacular high desert scenery in this remote region of Eastern Oregon.

Deschutes River

The sparkling waters of the Deschutes River are the crown jewel of Central Oregon. The Deschutes is a premier destination for fly fishing, but this river has much more to offer than just salmon and steelhead. The Lower Deschutes in particular is a hotspot for watersports of all kinds, and there are abundant riverside campgrounds and day-use areas for visitors to enjoy.

Umpqua River

Running through Reedsport and Roseburg, the Umpqua River is one of the principal rivers of the Oregon Coast, and a popular year-round fishing destination. While the narrow rapids of the North Umpqua are reserved for white water rafting, its more low-gradient waters nearer to the ocean are open to motorized boats.

Rogue River

The Rogue River meanders through rural Southern Oregon, flowing westward from the Cascade Mountains to the Pacific Ocean. Much like the Umpqua, most of the Rogue River is not suitable for motorized boating, but some areas do allow jet boats.

We hope this guide has helped you plan your next Oregon river boating adventure! Need to gear up before you head out? Load up on boating accessories at Active Water Sports, your trusted powerboat dealer with locations in Beaverton and Oregon City, OR. We proudly serve the Portland metro area, along with our neighbors in Salem and Eugene.