REPORT LOGJAMS AND HAZARDS TO NAVIGATION

Get daily updates from TRK on Twitter

If you know of a situation where the Tualatin River is blocked please fill out our online TROUBLE TICKET. This information will be posted here to inform paddlers and other river users.

RIVER CONDITIONS & LOG JAM REPORT

August 2, 2009 - RM 34 - Photo above. Mike Johnson reports that the logjam 1/2 mile sout of Farmington Rd is very dangerous. "Truly a leg breaker or deadly if one managed to get pulled under." See Mike's Photos

July 12, 2009 - RM 34 - Ross Dalton reports that 1/2 mile south of Farmington Road a log jam requires difficult portage river level 6 feet would still prevent passage at river level 11 feet. It is a leg breaker for those who don't use the East Bank and still dangerous when you try that.

June 18, 2009 - RM 29.6 - Jake Egger reported a tree had fallen across the stairway at Eagle Landing

May 27, 2009 - RM 39.4 - Randy May reports an impassable log jam 1 mile upstream from Rood Bridge Park. Click on photo to see more and read his notes.

August 25, 2008 - Right past the second island downstream  of the Farmington Bridge, possibly the same log jam as reported on July 13th.  Large and impassable without significant portaging.  Previously passable channel on river right now completely blocked by fallen tree. - Andy Cameron

July 25, 2008 - HEALTH ADVISORY LIFTED - Oregon Department of Human Services lifted the health advisory for toxic blue-green algae on the lower Tualatin River.

July 17, 2008 - TOXIC ALGAE UPDATE John Driscoll, Jerry Zimmer and I paddled from Cook Park (RM 9.8) to the diversion dam (RM 3.45) today.

For most of the trip a great abundance 1 cm of green threads of algae could be seen under the surface of the water.  The light blue “globs” 5-10 mm were generally isolated until we got to RM 6 just above Stafford Rd. where these globs were more abundant.

Floating mats of blue-green algae were present starting about 400 yards upstream of I-205 and all the way down to the diversion dam, a stretch of the river probably about a mile long or so.  - Brian Wegener

July 13, 2008 - Rood Bridge (RM 38.4) to Eagle Landing (RM 29.6). John White Reports: We did not see any blue green algae blooms on the upper stretch between Rood Bridge and Eagle Point landing.  However, we encountered a major log jam about ¼ mi or less down stream of the Farmington Bridge-I’d say it is at least 40 yards long.  There is a relatively clear path for portage around it, but the jam extends up the bank and so we had to hall the canoe over the dry jam, just a few logs.  We hauled in some agricultural plastic, an old chair, and numerous recyclable bottles.  It was an interesting portaging adventure and a lovely paddle over all.  About a mile or so downstream of that jam, there was another near-jam-only one passage in which we scrapped and had to rock over the log.

We wish now that we’d turned around back to Rood Bridge because at the take out at Eagle landing, my wife Bonnie slipped on the steep bank as we were pulling the canoe out and her foot jammed under a drift log on the bank and she broke it quite severely (enough to require surgery tomorrow).  That’s it for her paddling this season!  Just rotten luck.  

John White

July 12, 2008 - Oregon Department of Human Services issued a health advisory for the lower Tualatin River regarding blue-green algae toxins.

July 9, 2008 - Blue-green algae is blooming in the lower river with large concentrations near 99W and Jurgens Park. Blue-green algae also known as cyanobacteria produces toxins. Do not swim in the Tualatin River at this time. Do not allow pets in the water. Wash after paddling. Wash your boats but do not allow washwater to go down storm drains. See story on our home page.

July 2, 2008 - Fields Bridge (RM1.7) Claude Bonfiglio who lives on the river near Fields Bridge in West Linn reported a log jam near Fields Bridge that is causing problems for rafters. Best to avoid this area.

June 28, 2008 - SAFETY ALERT - The old Scholls Bridge (RM 26.9) is scheduled for deconstruction. This area may be hazardous for paddling and access may be restricted when the old bridge is being taken down. For updates, contact Project Manager Bill Hunter, 503-846-7828 william_hunter@co.washington.or.us

May 21, 2008 - Jim and Cathy Ganger report that the massive logjam 1/4 mile downstream of Harris Bridge (Farmington Road) is still impassable and about 100 ft long. Another logjam between this logjam and Eagle Landing (RM 29.6) has a small passages. North of Farmington there is a passable logjam in the vicinity of Rosedale Rd. Passability of these logjams are subject to change as water levels fluctuate.

May 20, 2008 - Sue Marshall reports that the access at Eagle Landing (Rainbow Lane) RM29.6 has been cleaned up and a tree is no longer blocking the stairway.

April 15, 2008 - Update on RM 38.4 Just Downstream from Farmington. STILL IMPASSABLE. April Olbrich reported on April 15 that there is a permanent log jam below Farmington Road/Harris Bridge. An island exists there and usually a lot of debris is deposited there. " I am not sure that it is ever clear, except during high water."

April 14, 2008 - Upstream from Schamburg Bridge (RM 18.2) Tom Szymanski reports a large logjam. There is a narrow opening that a kayak may be able to squeeze through. Use caution.

March 29, 2008 - Elsner Rd. (RM 14) Large log from a downed tree blocks the entire river making it impassable at sharp bend near River Mile 14 and SW Elsner Rd.

May 5, 2007 Rood Bridge (RM38.4) to Eagle Landing (RM29.6)

IMPASSABLE JUST DOWNSTREAM FROM FARMINGTON BRIDGE

We launched Jay Hamlin's two man canoe from Rood bridge, with the intention of ending up at Eagle landing in Scholls. We shuttled a vehicle there ahead of time.

Immediately after launching, we encountered our first log jam about 100 feet downstream. It took three 6" diameter cuts with the bow saw to open up a 6 to 8 foot passage on the North side of the channel (left bank). Pretty smooth sailing for awhile after that. I am guessing we went about a mile before we encountered a second log jam. This one was pretty small, and with a little less effort than the last, we achieved passage. The rest of the float to Farmington bridge went smoothly, with fairly swift water in a few locations where the river narrows. Immediately after the Farmington bridge we encountered a third log jam which was pretty tangled up. After only two cuts we were able to break it up pretty good, leaving about a 10' passage on the north side of the river (left bank).

Once we got below the bridge, small islands appear in the middle of the channel. The water gets pretty swift passing the islands due to the "funnel effect." We stayed to the right around the first island or two and then cut across left and got tangled on a small tree stump that pinned our canoe sideways for a brief time. We managed to swing the boat around the stump without incident, and "ate a little shrubbery" as we passed through the narrow channel by the third set of islands (for future reference: I recommend staying South, on the right bank, through this area :-)

We only got about 1/8 to 1/4 mile down from the Farmington bridge when we encountered a LARGE, IMPASSIBLE LOG JAM. We nosed the canoe into the start of the jam to look at the possibility of passage. We immediately ran the bow up on a log beneath the surface. We took this opportunity to survey the scene and decided "reverse" was our best and only option. The jam looks like it covers about fifty feet of river, from bank to bank. It is pushed up against an island with a pretty swift channel to each side. My guess is that if we were to consider clearing passage, it would require some pretty serious labor, and a chain saw would be in order.

We made our way back upriver and executed our landing by the river gauge under the Farmington bridge. The exit proved to be interesting. The shore is that typical "greasy" Tualatin River mud that we all know and love. Beyond the mud are the spikes that go up the bank to hold the erosion control fabric in place. They all stick up about 6 to 10" and are installed in about a 12" grid. It kind of felt like we were landing on the beach at Normandy! :-)

Once we got through the "spikes", we took the canoe around the NORTH SIDE of the bridge footing. The south side appeared to provide more "jungle like" obstacles, as well as irrigation piping we would have to cross. The pathway back to the road proved to be quite a challenge. I am guessing it's a good 100 yards to the end of the bridge approach retaining wall, where we could get back to the road. The terrain is very uneven and rocky, and is covered with tall grass and some shrubbery. All of these items made transporting a canoe full of gear very problematic. I ended up pushing our gear up on the top of the bridge footing at the end of the cyclone fence on the bridge. The empty canoe could now be carried upside down so we could better manage our footing. There is a ditch which parallels the bridge that provided a fairly good walkway once we got down into it with the boat. The gear was retrieved from the bridge by hopping over the fence and passing it across to be carried back to the canoe. Not the best landing site, but it is workable!!

The only remaining problem we faced now was, you guessed it.....Rood Bridge / car 1 - five miles upstream : Eagle Landing / car 2 - six miles downstream. Thank goodness for cell phones!! (There is also a small store at the corner of Farmington and River Road as an option for needed assistance.)

A big Thank You goes out to my wife, Patty, for her response to our call for "taxi service!' (even though she accused us of "looking pretty goofy" standing there by the road with our canoe and all of our gear!!!) Thanks to Jay for providing the canoe and the good company! It was an adventure!

(Sorry my report wasn't as brief as I intended. I had fun re-living the adventure :-) IN SHORT, this stretch of river is navigable with fairly minimal skill. As the water level drops and the river gets narrower, passage will narrow as well and additional clearing may be required. Due to the large log jam, Farmington Bridge is the end of the line going downstream. If anyone plans to do a "round trip" from Rood Bridge, allow lots of extra time and energy for the paddle back upriver!

Ken Huisman

Help Launch the Tualatin River Water Trail

Since the first Riverkeepers' Discovery Day, time spent on the Tualatin River has often transformed many ordinary citizens into an advocates and activists for river protection. In those early days there were only three developed public launch sites: Cook Park, Tualatin Community Park and River Grove Boat Ramp.

Due to our hard work the Tualatin River Water Trail now includes many more launch points - Browns Ferry Park, Jurgens Park, 99W Bridge, Rood Bridge Park and Eagle Landing - providing access to the River.

One thing hasn’t changed. The river continues to inspire people as stewards of this precious water resource and to join our cause. Expanded access has led to
increased public awareness and improved water quality and wildlife habitat.

Our challenge today is to complete the Tualatin River Water Trail by developing a public launch point every five miles so all residents have access to hidden
areas. Development of public launch sites is needed at:

• Farmington Bridge, west of Beaverton
• Metro's Natural Area on Munger Lane
• Schamburg Bridge, off Roy Rogers Rd.
• Stafford Natural Area on Borland Rd.

Three of these sitesare in public ownership and held by Metro Parks and Greenspaces. One would require acquisition.

Your support is needed today to launch this campaign. The Riverkeepers needs $20,000 to finalize its campaign strategy, to mobilize public and landowner support, and to leverage private and public funding for the access points. You can make your contribution to the campaign at the Green Heron Gala or online through Network for Good.

Thank you for your support!

Watch the Water Trail Web Show

ACCESS POINTS ON THE RIVER

These sites are referenced on the Paddler's Guide Map(551 kB pdf format).

Willamette Park, West Linn (RM 0.0 LB) Enter park on 12th Street. This site provides paddling access to the Willamette and the first few hundred yards on the Tualatin. Shallow rocky rapids immediately upstream from here will prevent you from going upstream on the Tualatin.

Fields Bridge, West Linn (RM 1.7 LB) This site closed for bridge construction Summer 2009.

Hazard - Lake Oswego Corp. Diversion Dam (RM 3.45) This low dam which raises the river level a few feet is DANGEROUS AND IMPASSABLE. STAY AWAY!

Stafford Road - Shipley Bridge (RM 5.4 LB) Take Stafford Road exit off I-205 north and head past Wanker’s Corner. Cross the bridge and turn right onto Shadow Wood Drive. Access river from Shadow Wood Drive, northeast of the bridge. Parking is limited. Metro has purchased land just upstream behind Stafford School for a future access point.

Rivergrove Boat Ramp (RM 7.4 LB) From SW Childs Rd. turn south onto SW Marlin. Turn right onto Dogwood Drive and park. Small boat ramp is located between two houses on the south side of Dogwood Drive. Limited parking available. Please respect private property.

Brown’s Ferry Park, Tualatin (RM 7.5 RB) From I-5 take Tualatin-Sherwood exit. Go east on SW Nyberg Street.When the road turns right to SW 65th, make a left turn onto Nyberg Lane. Keep going east for a few blocks. The park has a network of nature trails, parking, picnic facilities, restrooms and a very nice dock for canoes and kayaks. No boat ramp for motorized craft. Canoe rental is available on summer weekends. For rental information call Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe at 503-691-2405.

Tualatin Community Park (RM 8.9 RB) Take Tualatin-Sherwood exit off of I-5 and go west 1/2 mile. Turn right onto Boones Ferry Road.When Boones Ferry Road turns right, continue straight on Tualatin Road for one block. Turn right at the railroad trestle (stay on the south side) and follow it to the boat ramp. Tualatin Community Park is a large multi-purpose park with a boat ramp, restrooms and picnic facilities.

Caution (RM 9.3) Just upstream from Fanno Creek and the railroad bridge, the river becomes very shallow during summer, if the diversion dam is down. BEWARE OF ROCKS.

Cook Park, Tigard (RM 9.8 LB) Turn south on SW 92nd off Durham Road behind Tigard High School. Follow the road into the park past the wetlands, soccer fields, parking lot, and playground areas. The road twists through the trees with many speed bumps before you come to the boat ramp and dock. Take note of the large flood marker on the piling west of the dock. Cook Park is a large multi-purpose park with restrooms, picnic facilities, boat ramp and parking.

Jurgens Park, Tualatin (RM 10.6 RB) 17255 SW Jurgens Ave., Tualatin. Take Jurgens Ave. north from Tualatin Road. The parking lot is a long walk to launch site where a ramp leads to a dock designed for canoes and kayaks. Trails, restrooms, ball fields, picnic and playground areas are available.

99W Bridge & Hazelbrook Rd., Tualatin (RM 11.5 RB) From 99W turn south onto 124th. Turn east onto Tualatin Road. Turn north onto SW 115th Avenue. Turn left (west) onto Hazelbrook Road. There are four parking spots at the put-in. No restroom. More parking at Hazelbrook Middle School, two blocks east. This was the historical site of Taylor’s Ferry. Pilings from an old wooden covered bridge are still in the river here.

Schamburg Bridge, Sherwood (RM 16.2 RB)

2/19/2010 - Update: This site is overgrown with blackberries and inaccessible.

From Beef Bend Road, turn south onto Roy Rogers Road for about 3/4 miles. There is limited parking on the west side of the road. BEWARE OF TRAFFIC! This is a difficult access site and is not maintained; the informal path on the southwest side of the bridge is steep and slippery. We no longer recommend this access point.

Scholls Bridge (RM 26.9 LB) - On Highway 210 (Scholls Ferry Road) north of Scholls- Sherwood Road. Historic site of Scholls Ferry. Informal access site on northeast end of bridge. Please stay on the highway right-of-way. There is limited parking along the road. The path to the river may be steep and slippery.

Eagle Landing (RM 29.6 LB) From Highway 210 (Scholls Ferry Road) just north of the Scholls Bridge, turn west at the Groner School onto Rainbow Lane. Drive west about 2/3 mile to the bend in the road. Go south for another 1/2 mile. Limited parking. Stairs to river, no dock, difficult launch site.

Rood Bridge Park, Hillsboro (RM 38.4 LB) From Tualatin Valley Highway (Hwy. 8) take River Road southeast to Rood Bridge Road. Follow Rood Bridge Road south for a few blocks. The park is on the east side of Rood Bridge Road just before crossing the river. Restrooms, trails, picnic and parking are available.

See Timothy Fosters photos of a paddle trip from Rood Bridge Park here.

The Rest of the River - Upstream from RM 40 We do not recommend access to the Tualatin River at bridges upstream from river mile 40. The river is blocked by many log jams which are dangerous. Banks of the river are steep and often covered with blackberries and poison oak, making portage difficult. To portage around log jams, always ask permission before crossing private property. Other Access - Tualatin River Discovery Day Tualatin Riverkeepers offers organized paddle trips for the public including the Tualatin River Discovery Day, held on the last Saturday of June. Some of our paddle trips start or end at sites not normally accessible to the public. For a list of trips currently planned, visit www.tualatinriverkeepers.org

Paddling Safety

In the summer,much of the lower Tualatin is a slow, meandering river, with little or no current below River Mile 42. Plan on an average speed of 2 miles per hour with constant paddling. Paddling upstream is not usually a problem. In many stretches, it is a good place for beginners to develop their paddling skills. During the spring and winter, high flow levels, fallen trees, and submerged debris make paddling on the river hazardous, especially for those unfamiliar with the river. Each winter brings new log jams that can dramatically change the nature of the river. Whenever you paddle, remember that river travel has inherent risks associated with it. Log jams, or other debris or structures in the river can trap people and boats. Death by drowning may occur. All river users are responsible for their own safety. Play it safe by following a few simple rules.

• Always wear a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device.

• Don’t drink and paddle. Alcohol or drugs can impair your ability to respond to dangerous situations.

• Don’t paddle alone. Let someone know your plans. Bring a whistle or other signal device.

• Don’t paddle during hazardous conditions. Be aware of the weather and time of day. Wear appropriate clothing, including footwear and hats. Avoid sunburn and hypothermia. Take extra clothing in a waterproof container.

• Take food and water. Paddling is hard work.

• Avoid hazards. Log jams move each winter and formerly passable stretches of the river may no longer be passable. Avoid downed trees, dams, irrigation pumps and other hazards in the river.

• If you see pollution or a hazard to navigation, please fill out our online trouble ticket.

Support Tualatin Riverkeepers

Help us make the Tualatin River more accessible. Make your secure online donation to Tualatin Riverkeepers through Network for Good.

Create Your Own Adventure

We helped the Washington County Visitors Association produce this great little video.

• Site Map
• Designer
• Links