willamette falls

Enticed by all the history and development surrounding the region and the falls explained at the "End of the Oregon Trail" just the road, we had a little higher expectations for the falls as a more scenic landmark. While there were indeed large falls and the site was fascinating, it was hard to avoid the clashing factories and power plants that create a bit of a distraction, but a part of the their history all the same I suppose. Just crop them out!

I live near the Willamette Falls so it is a natural wonder that I often take for granted. The waterfall is located on the Willamette River in Oregon City. There is a viewing area in Oregon City and another viewing area across the river just past the 10th Street Exit in West Linn (heading I-205 N).Willamette Falls is the largest waterfall in the American Pacific Northwest by volume and ranks in the top 20 widest waterfalls in the world.The water power of the river and falls were used for all sorts of things over the years and as a result the area currently looks like an industrial area (which it used to be). You can research all of this in many places so I won't bother to go into it.As of this writing the biggest "eyesore" is the former Blue Heron Paper Mill. The mill has been decommissioned and is currently being torn down. This will open up the land for development and currently there are plans to enhance the area for tourism. When this happens there will be all sorts of great photographic opportunities for the falls as you'll be able to take pictures that were previously unavailable.Right now if you want to take great pictures my recommendation is to go to the Oregon City side of the falls. Find the Municipal elevator in Oregon City and either park at the bottom of the elevator or drive up the cliff and park in the parking lot near the top. From there you can either take the elevator to the top of the cliff or you can take the stairs. Once at the top you will see the McLoughlin Promenade.The McLoughlin Promenade is a beautiful walkway that extends the length of the cliff top. There are a ton of photographic opportunities here as well. Trees, bushes, flowers, boulders, the cliff, and of course the falls. Take your time and take lots of pictures.As you walk south down the promenade you'll eventually see a green walkway over top of the highway. That is another decent area to take photos from. From there you can either continue going down and walk down the sidewalk (downhill) all the way back to the bottom of the Municipal Elevator or you can turn around and walk back up the McLoughlin Promenade. If you have small children, etc it might be a good idea to turn around. Traffic on the highway is fast and the sidewalk is not very wide. You'll be able to make a judgment call simply by standing there and observing the traffic.Another good place to take photos and view the falls is the Willamette Falls viewpoint in Oregon City. The West Linn side doesn't really offer much.

This wonderful waterfall is partially obscured by the industrial installations all around it. It is a great part of Oregon history dating back to the Oregon Trail days. It is a spot for the annual eel harvest that is a community event in Oregon City. It looks like the local municipalities may make the falls more visible to the public. I hope so.

By visiting, you can see the past and present, and imagine what the future might bring to the area.What will strike you first is not the falls. It's the industrial feel of the site, from locks to paper mills (one closed and decrepit, the other decrepit), to run down power plant, to spillways, to debris boom, etc. It seems that the only thing not developed is the immediate fall areas. And everything is so run down! This by itself should entice you to visit what is still an amazing horseshoe waterfall area and the second largest in the states by volume. To know that not long ago this was a pristine place for trading and fishing and to see what it once was ....it's interesting in a bizarre way to see how it is now. The docent at the historical society said there is interest in demolishing the closed paper mill but that there are many chemicals to be cleaned up first. So many that it's difficult to find funding to tackle such a large project. Too bad. On the other side, there's talk of demolishing some of the downstream buildings and opening it up for recreational access and development. Will the circle close? Will the areas's potential for housing, recreation, and community pizzaz be realized? You'll have to decide for yourselves. So if you're in the area, stop by and admire these nice water falls and the history that surrounds them. For best viewing, go during high water so you can see and hear them. It might be fun to take a falls boat trip, see the salmon run, and watch people fishing, none of which took place when we visited in December. If you stop at the Route 99E viewpoint, behind you is the Oregon Historical Museum. We spent a couple of hours there, not bad. From there, you can take the promenade trail that starts at the VFW and walk to either the elevator or the steps down to Main Street. Steps are better so you can walk along the creek making it's way to the river.

Not just the beauty but the history behind these falls are worth studying up on. Get a great view from the newly refurbished Oregon City / West Linn Bridge

If you're in the area, its a must see. When the flood gates are open you can hear and see the water rumble over the falls, great view from the viewpoint and while your there, hit the Scottish Pub across the street. Its awesome.

Walk along the bluff from the Oregon City Elevator to get a decent view, which is somewhat obscured by the mills, locks , and powerplant, all part of Oregon City's interesting history. You can also get a look at the falls as you cross the bridge between Oregon City and West Linn. Originally created by Coyote as a fishing trap for the local natives, it became the site of John McLaughlin's home after he left Fort Vancouver, and then the end of the Oregon Trail and site of Oregon City. Later, heavy industry settled at the site.

When they finally get rid of the old paper mill, this site will be amazing! It is a great, historic horseshoe falls that will be the gem in the new waterfront city center. Don't screw it up Oregon City! There is an excellent viewpoint just South on 99.

Such a beautiful area with a stunning view. The falls are so powerful and they really are worth seeing

Don't confuse these falls with the really tall ones cascading down the mountainside in the Gorge east of Portland! There is a place to park right on Hwy 99E, at 2nd Street. If there aren't many cars there, there is room for an RV. You look across to see the short U-shaped waterfall. It's not very tall, maybe 30 or 40 feet, but quite wide and stretches across most of the river. We were there in the late afternoon. Since the sun was so bright, I took a photo from the museum parking lot across the street. There used to be a canal and locks for boats but it looks as if they are now closed. Worth a quick stop to see a different type of waterfall.

It seems a bit silly to write a review of something we residents take for granted, but really this horseshoe shaped falls is the reason Oregon City is here. The native tribes used to use it for a fishing spot (and still do), the steam boats would travel up stream to here from Portland, and the water power was used to run the paper plants that now straddle the river. Some might find it a bit ugly--this is certainly not a pristine waterfall--but it's really quite interesting in its own way.

It's hard to get a good view of the falls. If you're wanting to check out some water falls close up, go to Multnomah, worth the longer drive from Portland.

We headed to see a beautiful waterfall and were disappointed. Don't waste your time, go elsewhere. The falls didn't have enough water.

Enjoy views of Willamette Falls from 99E viewpoints in old Oregon City environs. The Falls is in the midst of an historical panorama of the old hydroelectric power structures. But in the river, seals or river otters (bystanders debated what they were seeing), cavort and dive for fish. The free Municipal Elevator is not to be missed and there is reportedly a ghost story of a small boy that appears to some. Elevator Street is reportedly the only vertical street as well as only outdoor elevator of this kind in the U.S., serving the needs of a split-level city. Below is a quaint town with building murals and fun walkability, while the upper level has the river promenade and many historic houses along with beautiful flowers and gardens along the walk.

Nothing in the way of interaction, exploration, or interpretation ... all you can do is pull over and observe. The old Blue Heron Paper Mill and the locks have changed the historical appearance of these falls and to some might be quite unattractive. Nevertheless, the Oregon Falls (not cascading, like those in the Gorge, but more like Niagara Falls, if smaller) played a significant role in Oregon history and are in and of themselves pretty spectacular to see. Don't miss them!