wheatland ferry

Such a nice little ferry ride for only $2 a car or walk on is free. Also made in convenient for us to cut from Lincoln City to the I-5 without having to go though Salem. Only fits 9 or 10 vehicles but is fast and runs on demand so doesn't take long to get across.

Yes, this is just a ferry for cars, bicyclists and walkers, however, it is so fun for kids. If you are looking for a little adventure, I would recommend taking the ferry. Good views and only a few dollars, it is well worth the time and small kids get so excited it makes it a little magical for everyone.

Going from Salem, OR to McMinnville, OR we came up on this Ferry ... What a great treat! It's a short ride but I've never been on a ferry, and we loved it. The employees are friendly and the view is gorgeous. Def. do this. Only $2.00 for the car. Closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas and closes at 9:45 P.M.

The short ride on the Wheatland Ferry is a nice break from the hustle, a quick way to avoid traffic and fun for the kids. The ferry is small but the area is charming. We love parking on the west side and riding the ferry for free over to the Willamette Mission side to go for short hikes or go geocaching.

Ok, it's an ordinary ferry but I'm a boater and for two bucks I get a minute on the water. The staff are always pleasant. Also, I like to travel the back roads and this is just right. I've been using the Wheatland Ferry for over forty five years from farm work in the area in my youth to now.

the wait is long and slow if you have to go this way have plenty of time or just drive to Newberg and cross, or drive over the Marion street bridge. they should but in a bridge and get rid of the ferry

Friendly courtous service and fun to ride. A great way to get from Woodburn to McMinville with a plesant ride over the water. A can't miss ride toget where you need to go.

We have 4 grandkids that live in Switzerland and 3 in Sweet Home. It is always a fun treat to take a little stroll across the river. We were on it at night this time. Fun for not only the young but the old.

In addition to being the only way across the river for more than 10 miles in either direction, this little ferry is a fun way to travel. Crossing takes a few minutes - enough time for the kids to climb out of the car and watch the water. The loading area on both sides has lots to look at while you wait - waterfowl, folks on all sorts or watercraft, commuter and farm vehicles, and of course the water itself. There are places to picnic and bike paths at nearby Mission Bottom Park.

Call ahead to check if it's running! The best way to get to Keizer or Woodburn from the West Willamette Valley!

The Wheatland Ferry came as a nice surprise while we were making a trip from Salem to McMinnville via a lesser known route, picked out by our GPS (which did not indicate the ferry).We expected nothing more interesting than the usual bridge, and were surprised to find this memorial of times past in full operation.An underwater cable pulls the little ferry raft across, apparently. Two concrete towers on either side of the river support a high single cable, which supports a rolling trolley. It appears that the trolley simply contains rollers that track on this cable, to keep the boat from drifting and keep it on track with the drive cables, which are under water. A couple of cables drop from the metal trolley to the ferry craft, but they do not appear to supply any of the driving force (you can see them tracking slightly behind the motion of the boat, so they do not appear to be pulling it).The wait to board was only a few minutes, and driving on was easy with the drop-down ramp. The boat holds three cars across, and looks as if it holds three in each line. We were first in line, and were underway before we even realized it. The motion is very smooth and gentle. In fact, for a few seconds we chatted about whether or not we were moving or it was just the gentle motion of the river flowing. The fare is $2. You just drive on, turn off the motor and set the parking brake, and the ferry captain comes over to the window for the fare once you are underway. (We didn't ask what would happen if a person didn't have any cash -- maybe you can mail it or possibly face a traffic ticket otherwise!) . You can also ride across without a vehicle free, so if you just want to park the car, and take a ride back and forth, that might be possible (if a bit odd).We supposed that the operation of the ferry was more economical than building a bridge at that point across the river, but regardless of the reason for it, it was quite a pleasant surprise for people who have only taken the massive Seattle Sound or Hudson River size ferry before. Don't know what the fare would be for a horse and rider... but it ought to be posted just for the nostalgic value!

About 10 miles north of Salem, there is a fun little car ferry that crosses the Willamette River. It is a very short ride, about 2-3 minutes, and is located in a scenic area. From Salem, go north on River Road or Hwy 221; from I-5 take Brooks exit to Wheatland. Cost is just $2.There has been a ferry in this area for about 150 years, with the first modern one starting operations in 1917. It operates year-round, closing only on Thanksgiving and Christmas. In winter, it does not operate when the river reaches flood stage.If you are wandering off the beaten track, the ferry ride is an enjoyable experience. Do use caution if driving a large pickup truck, as the lanes on the ferry are only about 8 feet wide..