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Located in Portland’s Central Eastside, the Eastbank Esplanade is hub for outdoor recreation on the Willamette River.
Credit: Travel Oregon

Water Activities

Explore the Rose City's many river, pool and watering-hole adventures.

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Located in Portland’s Central Eastside, the Eastbank Esplanade is hub for outdoor recreation on the Willamette River.
Credit: Travel Oregon

With a major river smack-dab in the center of the city, it’s no surprise that Portland and the surrounding region offer an abundance of water-centric fun, from whitewater rafting and swimming to fishing and windsurfing.

Outdoors, Summer

Water Fun in Portland

Dive into the city's aquatic activities and water features.

One person in a life jacket pilots a stand-up paddleboard in a river, with another person in the river looking on.

Where to Stand-Up Paddleboard Around Portland

Find out where to stand-up paddleboard in Portland, as well as where to find SUP lessons, paddleboard rentals, guided lake tours and SUP yoga classes.

Kayakers paddle on the Willamette River

Kayaking in and Around Portland

When the weather heats up, folks flock to the water. For paddlers, that typically means hitting one the many rivers in and near Portland.

four cruise ships of varying sizes on the Willamette River

Portland Boat Tours

See Portland and the region from the water on boat tours that traverse the Willamette and Columbia rivers.

Make a Splash in the Willamette River

When summertime heats up in Portland, cooling off is as easy as heading to one of the city's many riverfront beaches or docks for a refreshing dip or getting the gear for water sports such as kayaking, or SUP.

Take a dip

Outside of Portland

These nearby attractions offer plenty of aquatic adventure.

three people windsurfing, one airborne, cruise the river winds

Windsurfing in the Columbia River Gorge

Grab your board and head to the Columbia River Gorge, the windsurfing capital of the world, located a short drive east of Portland.

a fisherman flyfishing in a river

Fishing Near Portland

These four waterways — all less than an hour away from Portland — provide the perfect setting for your next fish tale.

Whitewater rafting near Portland

Whitewater Rafting Near Portland

Conquer rapids, spot wildlife and experience nature in a new way at these favorite spots for whitewater rafting near Portland.

Swimming Holes Near Portland

Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.

Jump in

Keeping it Cool

Cool off indoors (and out) with family friendly water activities or river floating fun.

Swimmers beat the summer heat at the indoor North Clackamas Aquatics Center with slides and pools

Amusement & Water Parks

Portland and the surrounding region offer a variety of amusements and entertainments for the young and young at heart.

a group of people sitting in inner tubes and swimming in a river

The Big Float

Every summer since 2011, thousands of people swim and float in the Willamette River for the annual Big Float event.

four cruise ships of varying sizes on the Willamette River

Portland Boat Tours

See Portland and the region from the water on boat tours that traverse the Willamette and Columbia rivers.