Willamette River Tours

Salem showing boating and a river or creek
Salem which includes a river or creek and boating
Salem featuring a bridge, boating and a river or creek
Salem featuring a bridge
Salem showing cycling and a bridge


Browse tours and tickets to explore Willamette River

Tours & day trips

See all 151 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 33 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 28 activities

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 6 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 4 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Willamette River

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center

3.5 out of 5
550 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR
Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center
Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG

3 out of 5
8439 Ne Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR
Holiday Inn Airport - Portland by IHG
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
545 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The Duniway Portland A Hilton Hotel
The Paramount Hotel

The Paramount Hotel

3.5 out of 5
808 SW Taylor St, Portland, OR
The Paramount Hotel
Mark Spencer Hotel

Mark Spencer Hotel

3 out of 5
409 Sw 11th Ave, Portland, OR
Mark Spencer Hotel
Dossier Hotel

Dossier Hotel

4.5 out of 5
750 SW Alder Street, Portland, OR
Dossier Hotel
Sojourn Suites Portland Airport

Sojourn Suites Portland Airport

3 out of 5
11707 Ne Airport Way, Portland, OR
Sojourn Suites Portland Airport
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton

4 out of 5
309 SW Broadway, Portland, OR
The Benson Portland, Curio Collection by Hilton
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown

4 out of 5
319 SW Pine St, Portland, OR
Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Willamette River

The Willamette River offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and experiences, perfect for a vacation. Enjoy outdoor seating at local eateries, embark on enriching excursions through the scenic landscape, or indulge in a vineyard stay. Don't miss the downtown river walk, where you can stroll along the waterfront, and for the adventurous, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to explore, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration.

Shopping

For a unique shopping experience, visit Powell's City of Books, just 3.2km away, offering a vast selection of books. Lloyd Center, also 3.2km away, features stores and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Alberta Street, 6.4km away, for charming shops and local vibes.

Recreation

At Moda Center, immerse yourself in the energetic atmosphere of live sports events, just 3.2km from the river. Enjoy vibrant concerts at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom, also 3.2km away. For a serene escape, visit Westmoreland Park, 4.8km away, where you can relax amidst nature.

Adventure

Experience thrilling motor racing at Portland International Raceway, located 11.3km from Willamette River. For a scenic ride, hop on the Portland Aerial Tram, only 483m away, offering stunning views. Hike the Leif Erickson Trail, situated 9.7km away, for a blend of adventure and beautiful scenery.

Nightlife

The nightlife along the Willamette River is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a romantic evening at Keller Auditorium, or dive into nostalgia at Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade for family fun. For more entertainment, catch a show at the Roseland Theater, where culture meets excitement.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Willamette River

Exploring the Willamette River in Oregon offers a delightful mix of urban parks, modern universities, and charming private gardens. Visitors can immerse themselves in cultural experiences, enjoy family-friendly activities, and take leisurely strolls along the nearby riverwalk. This scenic destination is perfect for those seeking both relaxation and adventure amidst the beautiful landscapes of the region.

  • Oregon Convention Center: Located 3.2km from the Willamette River, this venue is a hub for events and conferences, exuding a professional atmosphere. Its modern architecture and spacious facilities make it ideal for business gatherings and exhibitions.
  • Oregon Health and Science University: Situated 1.6km away, this cutting-edge university offers a vibrant city vibe. Visitors can explore its innovative medical programs and beautiful campus, often bustling with students and faculty.
  • Oregon Museum of Science and Industry: Just 805m from the river, this engaging science museum is perfect for families. It features interactive exhibits and cultural displays, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.

Best time to go to Willamette River

The best time to visit Willamette River can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Willamette River falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Willamette River falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March45.0°F (7.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June62.4°F (16.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July69.1°F (20.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September64.0°F (17.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November45.5°F (7.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December39.9°F (4.4°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Willamette River

To save money on your trip to the Willamette River, plan your visit between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Consider staying on Mondays for the best rates, avoiding Saturdays when prices peak. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for eco-friendly hotels and sort by price to find the best deals. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings with package deals. Look for free activities along the river, as well as special offers like free nights to maximize your budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Willamette River are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Willamette River is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Willamette River is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to narrow down your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay along the Willamette River with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.