If you have never been onto the Tualatin River, which runs lazily through Hillsboro, Oregon’s Southern edge, maybe it is time you do! This weekend the Tualatin River Keepers offer boat rentals of canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks for those who want to get onto the water and explore. You can find the rental information and book your trip and time slot here. While they are not set up every weekend, this weekend is one you can get out!
As a boy, I often took a motorboat or canoe up the Tualatin River from our home in Kinton. The river was so polluted back in those days (1970s) that it was impassable. The water was like pudding in some areas from sediment and heavy fertilizers. Log jams made it impassable, and it was not a lively place. My Father had told me stories of a clear running river where he and his friends swam and even caught steelhead. The Tualatin River Keepers have worked tirelessly for over 30 years to transform this asset into something we all can enjoy. The river mostly has private property fronting it, making it hard to access; its banks can be steep and slippery. The river is fascinating and filled with life once you are on it, and it moves slowly, so it is not intimidating. Many locals have lived here for a lifetime and never experienced the water, so now is your chance. A great outing for young and old alike!
From the Tualatin River Keepers About Page- http://tualatinriverkeepers.org/who-we-are
Tualatin Riverkeepers is a community-based organization that protects and restores the Tualatin River watershed. We build watershed stewardship through engagement, advocacy, restoration, access, and education.
We envision a thriving watershed that acts as a valuable community resource for everyone. At Tualatin Riverkeepers, we strive to exist at the intersection of environmental justice, protection, and conservation so that we all have equitable access to clean water, healthy ecosystems, and enjoyable river opportunities. Our organization is made up of passionate people each dedicated to protecting, restoring, and enjoying the Tualatin River watershed, and has been for over 30 years. Learn more about why we do what we do every day to keep the Tualatin River so special:
Here is a map of Rood Bridge Park and a link to find out more- it is just past Hillsboro High School on the left, on Rood Bridge Road!
The Park Information is located here:
https://www.hillsboro-oregon.gov/Home/Components/FacilityDirectory/FacilityDirectory/102/1738
Why Tualatin Riverkeepers Exists from Eric Stachon/Left Coast Media on Vimeo.
This sounds like a lovely outing, thanks for sharing it!