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Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls!

135 Reviews 4.96 out of 5 stars Based on 135 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Portland, USA
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from $83.50 per person

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Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls! Image 1
Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls! Image 2
Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls! Image 3
Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls! Image 4
Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls! Image 5
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (8.38) days in advance.
2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Enjoy a private 2-hour cruise along the scenic Willamette River to the majestic Willamette Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in the Northwestern US. Relax as your captain shares fascinating stories and local history while you take in stunning waterfront views. Perfect for families, couples, or corporate groups of up to six guests.

What's Included

  • Shared seats / Private [as per option selected]
  • Life Jackets and Safety Equipments
  • Photography Opportunities
  • Snacks All cruises are BYOB (Bring your own) . Food and drinks and alcohol are allowed to Bring your own
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

6500 South Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97239, USA

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

Portland (pass by)

Portland is a port city in the Pacific Northwest and the largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers, Portland is the county seat of Multnomah County, the most populous county in Oregon. As of 2020, Portland had a population of 652,503, making it the 26th-most populated city in the United States, the sixth-most populous on the West Coast, and the second-most populous in the Pacific Northwest, after Seattle. Approximately 2.5 million people live in the Portland metropolitan statistical area, making it the 25th most populous in the United States. About half of Oregon's population resides within the Portland metropolitan area.
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Elk Rock Island (pass by)

Elk Rock Island is an island on the Willamette River in the U.S. state of Oregon. The 12- to 13-acre (4.9- to 5.3-ha) island, formed 40 million years ago by a volcano, was given to Portland by Peter Kerr in 1940. The city of Milwaukie took ownership of the park in April 2016. The island is accessible via Spring Park.
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Willamette Falls (pass by)

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.
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Tilikum Crossing (pass by)

Tilikum Crossing, Bridge of the People is a cable-stayed bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States. It was designed by TriMet, the Portland metropolitan area's regional transit authority, for its MAX Orange Line light rail passenger trains. The bridge also serves city buses and the Portland Streetcar, as well as bicycles, pedestrians, and emergency vehicles. Private cars and trucks are not permitted on the bridge. It is the first major bridge in the U.S. that was designed to allow access to transit vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians but not cars.
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Hawthorne Bridge (pass by)

The Hawthorne Bridge is a truss bridge with a vertical lift that spans the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, joining Hawthorne Boulevard and Madison Street. It is the oldest vertical-lift bridge in operation in the United States and the oldest highway bridge in Portland. It is also the busiest bicycle and transit bridge in Oregon, with over 8,000 cyclists and 800 TriMet buses (carrying about 17,400 riders) daily. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in November 2012.
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Oregon City (pass by)

Known in recent decades as the site of several large paper mills on the Willamette River, the city played a significant role in the early history of the Oregon Country. It was established by Hudson's Bay Company's Dr. John McLoughlin in 1829 near the confluence of the Clackamas River with the Willamette to take advantage of the power of Willamette Falls to run a lumber mill. During the 1840s and 1850s, it was the destination for those wanting to file land claims after traveling the Oregon Trail as the last stop on the trail.It was the capital of the Oregon Territory from its establishment in 1848 until 1851 and rivaled Portland for early supremacy in the area. In 1846, the city's newspaper, the Oregon Spectator, was the first American newspaper to be published west of the Rocky Mountains. Oregon City was the site of the Beaver Coins Mint, producing the short-lived independent Oregon Territory currency in 1849.
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Willamette Park (pass by)

Willamette Park is a city park of about 26 acres (11 ha) in south Portland, in the U.S. state of Oregon. Located at Southwest Macadam Avenue and Nebraska Street, the park includes a boat dock and ramp, paved and unpaved paths, picnic areas, restrooms, a dog off-leash area, a playground, a soccer field, and tennis courts.
Read more

George Rogers Park (pass by)

George Rogers Park is Lake Oswego's first community park and one of its most diverse. Situated on the Willamette River, the park is the site of significant Native American activity over 10,000 years ago. In the early 19th century, the river landing at the mouth of Oswego Creek was a convenient camping place for explorers, fur traders, and pioneers. In the words of a Lake Oswego resident, it was "a stopping place, a sort of relay station for boats both large and small, plying up and down the river between Astoria and Champoeg."
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Steel Bridge (pass by)

The Steel Bridge is a through truss, double-deck vertical-lift bridge across the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon, United States, opened in 1912. Its lower deck carries railroad and bicycle/pedestrian traffic, while the upper deck carries road traffic (on the Pacific Highway West No. 1W, former Oregon Route 99W), and light rail (MAX), making the bridge one of the most multimodal in the world. It is the only double-deck bridge with independent lifts in the world and the second oldest vertical-lift bridge in North America, after the nearby Hawthorne Bridge. The bridge links the Rose Quarter and Lloyd District in the east to the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood in the west.
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Clackamas River (pass by)

The Clackamas River is located to the west of the Cascade Range and to the south of the Columbia River Gorge in northern Oregon. Flowing northwest from its sources high in the Cascade Mountains, the designated portion of the river, which is 47 miles (75.6 km) in length, runs from Big Spring (headwaters area) to Big Cliff, just south of the town of Estacada. This most picturesque region is entirely within the Mt. Hood National Forest and encompasses forested lands, wetlands, riparian areas and rock cliffs.
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Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge (pass by)

Portland Parks & Recreation's Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge is a 163-acre complex of meadows, woodlands, and wetlands in Portland on the east bank of the Willamette River, just north of the Sellwood Bridge.
Read more

Milwaukie (pass by)

Milwaukie was settled in 1847 and formally platted in 1849 as a rival to the upriver Oregon City by Lot Whitcomb, who named it for Milwaukee, Wisconsin. At the time, the Wisconsin city was also frequently spelled "Milwaukie" before the current spelling was adopted
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Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (pass by)

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI, /ˈɒmziː/ OM-zee) is a science and technology museum in Portland, Oregon, United States. It contains three auditoriums, including a large-screen theatre, planetarium, and exhibition halls with a variety of hands-on permanent exhibits focused on natural sciences, industry, and technology. Transient exhibits span a wider range of disciplines.
Read more

Clackamette Park (pass by)

Clackamette Park is a public park in Oregon City, in the U.S. state of Oregon. The park has a boat ramp,[1] and served as a film location for Grimm
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USS Blueback Submarine (pass by)

USS Blueback (SS-581) is a Barbel-class submarine that served in the United States Navy from 1959 to 1990, and subsequently was made into an exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. She was the second Navy submarine to bear the name.
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Tom McCall Waterfront Park (pass by)

Governor Tom McCall Waterfront Park is a 36.59-acre (148,100 m2) park located in downtown Portland, Oregon, along the Willamette River. After the 1974 removal of Harbor Drive, a major milestone in the freeway removal movement, the park was opened to the public in 1978. The park covers 13 tax lots and is owned by the City of Portland (Portland Parks and Recreation). The park was renamed in 1984 to honor Tom McCall, the Oregon governor who pledged his support for the beautification of the west bank of the Willamette River—harkening back to the City Beautiful plans at the turn of the century which envisioned parks and greenways along the river. The park is bordered by RiverPlace to the south, the Steel Bridge to the north, Naito Parkway to the west, and Willamette River to the east. In October 2012, Waterfront Park was voted one of America's ten greatest public spaces by the American Planning Association.
Read more

St. Johns Bridge (pass by)

It is the tallest bridge in Portland, with two 400-foot-tall (120 m) towers and a 205-foot (62 m) navigational clearance
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South Waterfront Park (pass by)

The Tram is a popular destination for tourists, locals and people just looking to try something fun.
Read more

Sellwood (pass by)

Neighborhood with a pleasant, small shopping area with dozens of antique shops.
Read more

Portland

return to Meeting Point after river tour of 2 Hours
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 19 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Disclaimer: Our top priority is always your safety on the river. While we make every effort to operate tours as advertised, equipment, vessels, staffing, departure times, and schedules may change without prior notice due to mechanical issues, weather, river conditions, or other safety-related factors. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, substitutions or schedule adjustments may be necessary. In some cases, tours may not depart at the exact scheduled time due to changing river conditions. If any changes are required, we will notify you as early as reasonably practicable. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: Will I get seasick on Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls!?

A: If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy. Read more Feb 2023

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-405900P1

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.96
135 reviews

Average 4.96 out of 5 stars based on 135 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
132
4 stars
2
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (8.38) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: Will I get seasick on Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls!?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls!?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (PST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Shared seats / Private [as per option selected].
  • Life Jackets and Safety Equipments.
  • Photography Opportunities.
  • 2 Hrs Boat with USCG licensed Boat Captain.
  • All Inclusive of Captain and Boat Fees and Taxes.
The following is NOT included:
  • Snacks. All cruises are BYOB (Bring your own) . Food and drinks and alcohol are allowed to Bring your own.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls! is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Scenic 2-Hour River Cruise to the Willamette Falls! will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024
Q: How long does a refund take to reach my card, and can I get it faster?
A:

Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.

Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.

If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.

Oct 2026

What's Included

Activity name

  • Shared seats / Private [as per option selected]
  • Life Jackets and Safety Equipments
  • Photography Opportunities
  • 2 Hrs Boat with USCG licensed Boat Captain.
  • All Inclusive of Captain and Boat Fees and Taxes
  • SnacksAll cruises are BYOB (Bring your own) . Food and drinks and alcohol are allowed to Bring your own

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Disclaimer: Our top priority is always your safety on the river. While we make every effort to operate tours as advertised, equipment, vessels, staffing, departure times, and schedules may change without prior notice due to mechanical issues, weather, river conditions, or other safety-related factors. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, substitutions or schedule adjustments may be necessary. In some cases, tours may not depart at the exact scheduled time due to changing river conditions. If any changes are required, we will notify you as early as reasonably practicable. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Report Product Issue

Activity name