Willamette Park is a peaceful riverside spot and a hidden gem in Portland, offering an escape without leaving the city. It is a versatile park with open lawns, river access, a boat ramp, a fishing dock, a walking path, a dog park, tennis courts, and a kids play structure. It is an excellent spot to launch a kayak or paddle board, have a picnic, relax on the grass, or enjoy a slow afternoon by the water. The park is a great gathering place and a Portland staple, often less crowded than other waterfront parks, providing a relaxed and low-key vibe. Some drawbacks include times when the restrooms are closed, and a need for more garbage receptacles to prevent litter. The shared trails for bicyclists and pedestrians can feel stressful, and parking requires payment via credit card. The park is open from an hour before dawn until 10 pm.
It is a lovely park the only reason I gave it 4 stars is due to how busy it gets that you might not be able to find parking when it is nice out. I went to try to take my kayak out on a holiday after some work I needed to do and I circled 3 times to no avail.
May 2026
They had some relatively friendly geese and easy access to the river.
