Willamette Falls | World Waterfall Database

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This waterfall has been surveyed, mapped and measured in person by the World Waterfall Database.

Willamette Falls is the largest waterfall in the Northwest, dropping 42 feet in a horseshoe with a crest length of approximately 1700 feet. Due to the industrialization of Oregon City, the falls have lost most of its natural appeal. The land on both sides of the river immediately adjacent to the falls harbors, among other facilities, a hydroelectric station, a paper mill and one of the oldest set of operational locks in the United States. The Willamette River averages approximately 20,000 cubic feet per second of discharge above the falls, but because of the hydroelectric facility, the majority of that gets drawn off, so the average volume of water flowing over the falls likely doesn't top 5,000 cfs. Late in the summer the presence of the hydro facility is particularly noticeable as the falls are reduced severely and have been known to go almost completely dry in drought years.

Hydroelectric Intergration
This waterfall has been incorporated into a hydroelectric scheme and as a result may not flow consistently year round.

HISTORY AND NAMES

Willamette Falls is the Official name of this waterfall

According to Oregon Geographic Names, the Willamette River was named for an Indian settlement somewhere in the vicinity of Oregon City known as "Wal-lamt", which may have meant "spill water", a reference to the falls. The falls were named for the river in the modern day. Oregon City was founded in 1845 on the banks of the falls, the paper mill opening in 1867. The city was originally known as Willamette or Willamette Falls.

Location and directions

There are several views of the falls available. Directions to 3 are given here. To reach all the viewpoints, drive along Interstate 205 to Oregon City / West Linn, about 15 miles south of Portland International Airport. 1 - Driving north along I-205, north bounders can get off at Exit 7 to stop at a scenic wayside, providing views down at the falls (north bound traffic only - seen above). 2 - Exit I-205 at the West Linn exit (Exit 8) and drive across the Oregon City Bridge. Distant views are had from the bridge. 3 - Proceed past the bridge views, and turn right on SR 99E for 1.2 miles to a signed viewpoint at the falls.

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Willamette Falls is shown in the center. The 10 closest waterfalls within a 8km radius are shown as well (if any). Click any icon or see the list below for more information.

Additional Nearby Waterfalls

Name of Waterfall	Distance
Oswego Cascades	4.67 mi / 7.47 km

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Photography tips

Willamette Falls is moderately difficult to photograph unless you have a boat that can navigate up to the base of the falls. A telephoto lens helps from the viewpoint from 205. The viewpoint from Pacific Highway on the opposite side of the river is closer, but overlooks the uglier side of the falls.

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Willamette Falls Clackamas County, Oregon, United States