Norwood Island
Willamette Riverkeeper was able to purchase Norwood Island from a private land owner in 2014. Situated at the confluence of the Willamette and Long Tom Rivers (RM 149), Norwood’s 90 acres of floodplain lands serves well for water trail campsites. Once used as farmland, the island is in the Upper Willamette section of the river and has been significantly replanted with native trees and shrubs. It also has an amazing backchannel (note washed out bridge hazard), replete with native Freshwater Mussel beds. Riverkeeper and their volunteers are actively working to remove invasive weeds on the island and to improve habitat. There are some hiking trails, and a great campsite on the mainstem side towards the downstream end of the island. And keep in mind you can always choose to camp across the river at Norwood East.
Karl Lisle Jul 29, 2013
As of late July 2013, the channel is passable by an ~8ft gap in the log jam at the remains of the old bridge. It’s a really nice detour off the main channel with good fishing where the Long Tom River comes in.
Travis Jun 11, 2014
Hey Folks – Camping is best from the main channel side. Check out the camp site on the property toward the downstream end. The bank here is a little high, but there is more of a gravel beach to take out on. You can also camp just across the river on the big gravel bar – that is part of the Norwood Island property.
Doug Decker Aug 2, 2016
First night camp from Harrisburg to Independence. Access was great and easy from the main channel down toward the far end of the island, near the WaterTrail sign. We left the canoe on the gravel bar with the kitchen, and camped up on the flat. Looks like you could get multiple tents in here. Be sure to pick a few blackberries for breakfast!
Doug Decker Jul 31, 2020
Back again to this favorite spot. The campsite at the far north end was occupied but there are a couple of other choice spots on the bank a bit farther upstream. Queen Anne’s Lace was in bloom and beautiful. Watched the comet.