Boat Ramps In Oregon: Opening Dates And Times

Oregon has a plethora of boat ramps and launches, providing access to the state's major lakes, rivers, and waterways for public and private use. The opening times of boat ramps in Oregon vary, with some opening as early as 5:00 a.m. and closing at midnight, while others are open 24 hours. Some boat ramps may be temporarily closed for maintenance or safety concerns, such as the Clackamette Park Boat Ramp, which has been closed to motorized vehicles and boat trailers since October 2021 due to structural issues. It is important to check the status and opening times of a specific boat ramp before planning a trip.

Boat ramps in Oregon City

Oregon City is a beautiful community situated amidst breathtaking natural landscapes and nestled along the scenic Willamette River. The city offers several marinas and boat ramps that provide water enthusiasts and boating aficionados with easy access to the water and numerous recreational opportunities.

Jon Storm Dock

Located at Jon Storm Park, 1801 Clackamette Drive, this dock offers amenities such as a picnic shelter, public restrooms, a marina store, and a fuel dock. It is within walking distance from nearby shopping centres and easily accessible from Interstate 105. The dock is free to use, and boat tie-ups are available for up to two days at a time.

Clackamette Boat Ramp

The Clackamette Boat Ramp, located in Clackamette Park, is currently closed to motorized vehicles and boat trailers due to safety concerns. The closure has been in effect since October 2021 and is considered permanent until potential realignment and relocation can be identified. However, the boat ramp remains open to foot and carry-down traffic, including kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and other paddle craft. Visitors are encouraged to use alternative boat ramps in the area, such as Sportcraft Landing, Meldrum Bar, or Cedaroak.

Sportscraft Boat Ramp

The Sportscraft Boat Ramp, located south of Jon Storm Park and Clackamette Park at 1701 Clackamette Drive, offers restrooms, benches, and a two-lane boat dock. There is no fee to use this dock.

Boat Rental Options

For those who don't own a boat, Oregon City provides various rental options. eNRG Kayaking offers rentals of kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards, with prices ranging from $25 to $40 per hour or $80 to $100 for a full day. S&P Rentals provides Oregon City's only Jet Ski rental service, and customers can acquire a one-day license.

Boat ramps in Portland

The City of Portland offers a range of boat ramps and docks for launching and mooring watercraft and vessels. Portland Parks & Recreation manages these facilities, which provide access to explore the region's waterways.

Willamette Park Boat Ramp and Dock

This boat ramp, located at 6401 SW Beaver Ave, is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Parking is available, but there is no overnight parking permitted. The facility allows active boat loading and unloading only, with a one-hour maximum on wings. No overnight moorage is allowed.

Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock

The boat ramp at Cathedral Park is open daily from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. Similar to Willamette Park, this facility also does not allow overnight parking and moorage. Active boat loading and unloading are permitted for a maximum of one hour on wings.

M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp

Located just minutes from downtown Portland, the Gleason Boat Ramp offers convenient public access to the Columbia River.

Chinook Landing Marine Park

Chinook Landing, situated along the Columbia River, boasts six launching lanes, making it one of Oregon's largest public boating facilities.

Additional Boat Launches and Docks

Portland also offers several other options for launching and docking:

• Sellwood Riverfront Dock & Hand Watercraft Launch
• Gov Tom McCall Waterfront Park North and South Breakwater Docks
• Holman Dock & Hand Watercraft Launch
• Kevin Duckworth Dock at Eastbank Esplanade

Boat ramp safety

Pre-Launch Preparation:

Before heading to the boat ramp, ensure you have all the required documentation, such as registration and permits, and that they are up-to-date and easily accessible. Check that the drain plug is in place, and ensure all necessary safety equipment is on board, including life jackets, lines, and fenders. Test the battery, engine, and ensure the drive unit is angled correctly. Secure all loose items and check fuel levels. Conduct a final walk-around inspection of your boat and trailer to ensure trailer lights are functioning, tires are inflated, and wheel bearings are greased.

Use the Staging Area:

Utilize the staging area to prepare essential items like coolers, water sports equipment, fishing gear, and any additional safety gear. Completing your preparation work in the staging area ensures you don't waste time or hold up other boaters once you reach the ramp.

Backing Down the Ramp:

When descending the ramp, align your vehicle with the ramp and slowly reverse, keeping the trailer straight. Make small turning adjustments as needed. Once the trailer tires touch the water, use tow ropes to guide the boat off the trailer.

Launching Your Boat:

Unhook the bow's safety chain and gently reverse the tow vehicle until the boat starts to float. You may also choose to start your motor before releasing the winch hook. Use tow ropes to guide the boat off the trailer once the trailer is submerged. If you have an assistant, pass them the bow line so they can help separate the boat from the trailer.

Courtesy at the Ramp:

Move your vehicle and trailer away from the ramp promptly after launching to avoid creating traffic jams and allow other boaters access. Be mindful of other boaters waiting to use the ramp and keep conversations to a minimum to reduce wait times. Ask for permission before tying up to another boat, and always turn off your headlights once you've backed up to avoid blinding other drivers.

Parking Your Vehicle:

Always park your tow vehicle and trailer in designated parking spaces to keep traffic flowing and avoid fines. Parking in the wrong area can obstruct other boaters, so stick to the designated spots to maintain a smooth flow around the ramp.

Retrieving Your Boat:

When it's time to retrieve your boat, simply reverse the launching process. Back the trailer into the water, ensuring about two-thirds of its rollers or bunks are submerged. Make sure everyone has disembarked at the dock, then carefully load the boat back onto the trailer. Secure the boat with the winch and stabilize it with the bow line. Move your trailer out of the water and away from the ramp promptly to prevent congestion.

Cleaning and Maintenance:

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your boat are crucial for several reasons, including preventing the spread of invasive species, extending its lifespan, and protecting local ecosystems. Always clean, drain, and dry your boat after each use. Remove any plants, animals, or mud, and use hot water and high pressure to wash the hull and compartments. Flush engines with clean water if you've been in saltwater.

By following these safety guidelines, you can help ensure a positive and enjoyable boating experience for yourself and other boaters at Oregon's boat ramps.

Boat ramp maintenance

Boat ramps in Oregon are maintained by the Portland Parks and Recreation department, which manages several public docks and two boat ramps in the City of Portland. The boat ramps and docks provide launching and mooring for watercraft and vessels, allowing people to explore the region by water.

The City of Oregon City, in partnership with the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, is working on a long-term solution for the boat ramp at Clackamette Park. In the meantime, a Master Plan of Clackamette Park will begin in 2022, which will provide an opportunity to guide the park's functionality, sustainability, and improvements, as well as identify plans for the boat ramp's potential realignment and possible relocation.

Proper boat ramp maintenance also helps to reduce the impact of boating on the environment. Well-maintained ramps can help to prevent the spread of invasive species, reduce water pollution, and minimize the disturbance of aquatic ecosystems. Regular maintenance can also help to identify and address any potential safety hazards, such as slippery surfaces or debris, which can pose risks to boaters and paddlers.

Boat ramp locations

There are many boat ramps in Oregon, with most major lakes, rivers, and waterways offering boating access points for public and private use. Here are some of the key locations:

Portland

• M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp: Located minutes from downtown Portland, this boat ramp provides convenient public access to the Columbia River.
• Big Eddy Marina: Found on NE Marine Dr, this marina offers boating access to the Columbia River.
• Columbia Corinthian Marina: Positioned on NE 33rd Dr, this marina is also accessible from the Columbia River.
• Columbia Ridge Marina: This facility is situated on NE Marine Dr and provides another entry point to the Columbia River.
• Hayden Bay Moorage: Found on N Lotus Beach Dr, this boat ramp allows access to the Columbia River.
• Jantzen Bay Boat Moorage: Located on N Jantzen Dr, this site offers boat access to the Columbia River.
• Tomahawk Bay Moorage: Accessible from NE Tomahawk Island Dr, this boat ramp is another entry point to the Columbia River.
• Willamette Park: This park is situated on SW Beaver Ave, providing boating access to the Willamette River in Portland.

Other Locations

• Chinook Landing Marine Park: With six launching lanes on the Columbia River, Chinook Landing, north of Portland, is one of Oregon's largest public boating facilities.
• Sauvie Island Boat Ramp: Within the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, this boat ramp offers access to the quiet waters and wildlife of the Multnomah Channel.
• Gilbert River Boat Ramp: Also located within the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area, this facility provides easy access to the Multnomah Channel for various boating activities.
• Armitage Park: Found on Coburg Rd in Eugene, this park offers a boat launch point.
• Beulah Reservoir: Accessible via Agency Mountain Rd in Juntura, this reservoir has a boat ramp.
• Blue Heron Landing: Positioned on NE West Devils Lake Rd in Rose Lodge, this landing serves as a boat launch site.
• Bull Creek Park: Located in Long Creek on NFD 3972 Rd, this park has a boat ramp.
• Cape Kiwanda State Natural Area: This natural area in Cloverdale can be reached via McPhillips Rd and offers a boat launch point.
• Chetco Outdoor Store: Found on E Johnson Ave in Coos Bay, this store provides a boat launch service.
• Cove Palisades Marina: This marina in Metolius can be accessed via SW Marina Dr and offers boating access.
• Crane Prairie Reservoir in Deschutes National Forest: Located in La Pine, this reservoir in Deschutes National Forest is reachable via the 200 highway and has a boat ramp.
• Dexter Reservoir at Dexter State Recreation Site: Found in Fall Creek, this boat launch site can be reached via Manar Rd.
• Drift Creek Landing: Positioned on SE Merten Dr in Waldport, this landing serves as a boat launch site.
• Fall Creek at Fall Creek State Recreation Area: This boat launch site in Mount Hood Parkdale is accessible via the Mount Hood Highway.
• Fort Stevens State Park: Located in Hammond, this state park offers a boat ramp at Coffenbury Lake.
• Garibaldi Marina: Found in Rockaway Beach, this marina on Biak Ave provides a boat launch site.
• Jetty Fishery Marina: Also in Rockaway Beach, this marina on the Oregon Coast Highway offers a boat launch service.
• La Playa Marina: This marina in Lakeside can be reached via N Lake Rd and offers boating access.
• Lost Creek Lake at Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area: Found in Prospect on OR-62, this state recreation area has a boat ramp.
• Mayer State Park: Located on the Columbia River in The Dalles, this state park on Rowena River Rd provides a boat launch site.
• Mercer Lake: Found in Florence, this lake can be accessed from Dahlin Rd and offers a boat launch point.
• Port of Bandon: This port in Bandon, reachable via 1st St SW, offers a boat launch service.
• Port of Hood River Marina: This marina park in Hood River provides boating access.
• Port of Siuslaw Campground & Marina: Found in Florence, this campground and marina on Harbor St offer a boat launch site.
• Port of The Dalles Marina: This marina in The Dalles can be reached via Klindt Dr and offers boating access.
• Sawyer's Landing: Located in Newport, this boat launch site is accessible from Yaquina Bay Rd and Yaquina.
• Scappoose Bay Marine Park: Found in St Helens on Old Portland Rd, this marine park offers boating access.
• Strome Park: This park on the Siletz River in Siletz can be reached via the Siletz Highway and offers a boat launch site.
• Twin Bridges Park: Another park on the Siletz River, located in Siletz on W Buford Ave, with a boat launch point.
• Wallowa Lake State Park Marina: Found in Joseph, this state park marina on Marina Ln offers boating access.

Frequently asked questions