Boat Ramp Access At Cathedral Park: Open Or Closed?

Cathedral Park in Portland, Oregon, is a popular spot for boaters and anglers alike, offering one of the only ways to access the river in the last few miles. The park features a boat ramp and dock that are open to the public and provide a gateway to Portland Harbour. However, there have been some concerns about safety and crime in the area, with some boaters opting to launch from other locations due to these worries. Despite this, many people continue to use the Cathedral Park boat ramp and report no issues, while others suggest ways to make the area safer.

Cathedral Park Boat Ramp is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight

The Cathedral Park Boat Ramp in Portland, Oregon, is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. The site provides an excellent entry point to Portland Harbour, the most industrial area of the Willamette River. Access is best via the beach to the left of the boat ramp or the adjacent floating dock.

The boat ramp is managed by the Portland Parks & Recreation department, which also manages the Willamette Park Boat Ramp and Dock, the Sellwood Riverfront Dock & Hand Watercraft Launch, and several other public docks and two boat ramps in the city.

The Cathedral Park Boat Ramp is a popular entry point for boaters and anglers, with some launching their boats there about ten times each season. The parking lot can accommodate vehicles with trailers, and there is also a designated "Trailers Only" parking area. However, there have been some concerns about security in the area, with reports of break-ins and vandalism.

The park itself is steeped in history and is believed to be one of the 14 Lewis and Clark landing sites in the Vancouver-Portland area. It was also a fishing and camping site for many local Indian tribes. In more recent times, the park has undergone several improvement projects, including the addition of a nature patch and the ongoing cleanup of soil contamination.

There is no overnight parking

The Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock in Portland, Oregon, is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. However, there is no overnight parking allowed. This rule is in place for all visitors to the boat ramp and dock, without exception.

The boat ramp at Cathedral Park is a popular entry point to Portland Harbour, providing one of the only spots to access the river in the last few miles. It is a convenient place to launch your boat, with active boat loading and unloading allowed for up to one hour on the wings.

While the boat ramp is generally safe, there have been reports of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area. Visitors are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. It is also recommended to keep an eye on your vehicle and valuables while using the boat ramp, as break-ins and thefts have been known to occur.

To avoid any issues, some visitors suggest launching your boat at alternative locations, such as Chinook or Swan Island. However, these locations may be less convenient and could involve a longer travel distance.

In conclusion, while the Cathedral Park Boat Ramp is a useful facility for boaters in Portland, it is important to be aware of the no overnight parking rule and take necessary precautions to ensure the security of your vehicle and belongings.

Only active boat loading and unloading are allowed (1-hour maximum on wings)

The Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock in Portland, Oregon, is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. The site offers one of the only spots to access the river in the last few miles, providing an excellent entry point to Portland Harbour. The boat ramp is a popular spot for boaters and anglers, with a nearby parking lot and a floating dock for loading and unloading.

When using the Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock, it's important to note that only active boat loading and unloading are allowed, with a strict time limit of one hour on the wings. This means that you are allowed a maximum of one hour to load or unload your boat onto the wings of the dock. This time restriction is in place to ensure efficient use of the facility and to accommodate the high demand for this entry point to the river.

The one-hour limit is a crucial consideration for boaters, especially those who are new to the area or the facility. It is important to plan your launch or retrieval accordingly, ensuring that you have all the necessary equipment and assistance readily available to make the process as smooth and swift as possible. It is also advisable to be mindful of other boaters who are waiting to use the facility, and to be considerate by adhering to the time limit.

In addition to the time restriction, there are a few other important rules to keep in mind when using the Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock. Firstly, no overnight parking is allowed, so boaters need to ensure they have alternative parking arrangements if they plan to stay on the water past midnight. Secondly, no overnight moorage is permitted, which means that boats cannot be left moored at the dock overnight. These rules are in place to maintain the smooth operation of the facility and to ensure fair access for all users.

No overnight moorage is allowed

The Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock in Portland is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. The site provides an excellent entry to Portland Harbour and is one of the only spots to access the river in the last few miles. However, no overnight parking or moorage is allowed. This means that boats cannot be left moored at the dock overnight. The boat ramp and dock are intended for active boat loading and unloading only, with a maximum time limit of one hour for boats on the wings.

The rules for the Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock are set by the Portland Parks and Recreation (PP&R) department, which manages several public docks and two boat ramps in the City of Portland. These facilities provide launching and mooring for watercraft and vessels, allowing people to explore the region by water. No services are provided at the docks.

PP&R has specific rules and guidelines for the use of its docks and ramps. For example, all vessels that are required to be registered by the state of Oregon must be registered and display valid stickers to use the facilities. In addition, all park rules (Title 20) and dock/harbour rules (Title 19) apply when using the PP&R docks. PP&R Administrative Rules PRK-1.17 also apply to boat docks and ramps.

It is important to note that vessels left on city docks or ramps that violate park rules, city codes, or Oregon law may be subject to enforcement actions. This includes being cited, towed, and impounded. PP&R Park Rangers are considered an enforcement agency for removing and impounding abandoned or derelict vessels on PP&R-managed property. As such, it is crucial to follow the rules and regulations set by PP&R when using the Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock, including the prohibition on overnight moorage.

The boat ramp is located near the St. Johns Bridge

The Cathedral Park Boat Ramp is located near the iconic St. Johns Bridge in Portland, Oregon. This boat ramp offers convenient access to the Willamette River and Portland Harbor, providing an excellent entry point for boaters and anglers alike. The site is managed by the City of Portland, which also operates several other public docks and two boat ramps within the city.

The boat ramp is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, offering ample opportunity for early morning or evening excursions on the water. However, it's important to note that there is no overnight parking available at the site. Boaters are permitted to actively load and unload their vessels, with a maximum time limit of one hour for this process. This ensures efficient use of the facility for all visitors.

Cathedral Park itself has a rich history and is steeped in cultural significance. It is believed to be one of the 14 Lewis and Clark landing sites in the Vancouver-Portland area. Additionally, the park's name is derived from the stunning St. Johns Bridge, which features beautiful cathedral-like arches. The bridge, a beloved Portland Historic Landmark, is currently undergoing repairs to improve its long-term safety and lifespan.

The surrounding area of the boat ramp and park has been a topic of discussion in recent years. While some visitors report feeling safe and enjoying their experience, others have expressed concerns about security and potential vandalism. The presence of nearby RVs and temporary residences has also been noted, with some boaters opting to launch from alternative locations due to these concerns.

Despite these mixed reports, the Cathedral Park Boat Ramp remains a popular spot for boaters looking to explore the Willamette River and Portland Harbor. The convenient location near the St. Johns Bridge makes it a convenient entry point for many.

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