Overnight Trips

This is a gorgeous section of the Upper Willamette, full of braided backchannels, alcoves, wildlife and a number of outstanding campsites to choose from. This reach has a very natural, wild feel.

You can break this trip up in a few ways and make it a one night or two night adventure with scenic views as well as optional side trips to historic downtown Independence with its new padder and cyclist friendly campsite right next to the river*, as well as the nearby new botique Hotel Independence which offers a restaurant patio with a wonderful view. (*note- the campsite in Independence Riverview Park is closed as of 7/9/2020 due to the COVID crisis).

Launching from the City of Corvallis, this is an easy-to-access experience that offers scenic views. This can be a good stretch for paddling and camping with kids since it’s not a lot of mileage overall. Best of all, your shuttle is very direct as it is all along one road (about a 15 minute drive, one way). Some paddlers have been known to call an Uber or Lyft at the take out (Hyak Park) to transport them back to their vehicle in Corvallis (of course this only works if you have a paddling buddy who can stay with your boats and gear at Hyak in the interim).

It provides a wonderful look at the backchannel of Wheatland Bar, immediately across from the put-in. This put-in is a relatively short drive from Portland, and you have a great selection of campsite options, as well as the flexibility to make this a one or two night adventure, depending on your preferences.

You can see an abundance of wildlife and experience the confluence of the Luckiamute and Santiam Rivers near Luckiamute State Natural Area.