The Willamette Falls is a horseshoe-shaped block waterfall caused by a basalt shelf in the river bottom. The 42-foot-high and 1,500-foot-wide falls occurs 26 river miles upstream from the Willamette’s confluence with the Columbia River. It’s the largest waterfall by water volume in the Northwest and the 18th largest by volume. Around the falls are the locks, which are the oldest continuously operating multi-lift lock and canal system in the United States.

Tips: If you are interested in the history and importance of the falls and the locks to the local area, make sure you visit more than the two viewpoints along the highway. While the viewpoints offer stunning views, they don’t give people enough information about this natural wonder. If you do decide to visit the museum along the Willamette Falls locks, don’t be afraid to ask for directions.

The walk to the museum is about a quarter of a mile, so make sure you dress for the weather. If you want to make sure you can see a boat go through the locks, contact the lockmaster’s office at 503-656-3381 and they can tell you when boats are scheduled to go through.

What to bring: Museum tours are free, so all you will need is your camera and your curiousity. Binoculars can also help you see some of the details of the rocks and wildlife around the falls.

Getting There : Viewpoints for the Willamette Falls are located along Highway 99E just south of downtown Oregon City and Interstate 205 (milepost 7.5), again south of the city. The 99E viewpoint offers closer looks at the falls, but the 205 viewpoint is higher up, so you can see more of the surrounding bluffs and scenery.

To board the Belle of the Falls: Take Interstate 205 to the McLoughlin Boulevard/Oregon City exit then travel north on McLoughlin Boulevard to Clackamette Drive. Turn left on Clackamette Drive to the transit dock

Getting to the locks: Take Interstate 205, exit at West Linn (exit 8), turn south onto Highway 43, and south again onto Mill Street on the west side of the Oregon City Bridge. Parking is available in the parking lot by City Hall off of Mill Street.

For more information about the history of the falls, contact them at 503-650-9570.