Lock Fest Safety!

Lock safety is explained at this link from the Army Corps of Engineers:

https://www.nwp.usace.army.mil/op/wfl/lk_thru.asp

Please familiarize yourself and your crew with the procedure. When you know before you go your time at Lock Fest will be more enjoyable. We look forward to seeing you.


SMALL CRAFT PADDLERS OF ALL SIZES AND ORGANIZATIONS:

You are invited to the 4th Annual LockFest, 22 September, 2007, and to our informal Flotilla and Transit of the Willamette Falls Locks, the celebration of the history of the Willamette River locks at Willamette Falls, and their seasonal re-opening to daily recreational and commercial river traffic.  There will be activities in the park adjacent to the locks in West Linn but there is no  dock available at the festival for boaters who are not actively involved in locking through.

We hope that kayaks, canoes,  rowboats, and similar small craft will start early in the morning, from the beach and dock at West Linn's Willamette Park, planning to arrive at the locks by 9-9:30 for the first downstream lockage.
Please arrange your shuttles for your watercraft, as we can only shuttle people, between the Lock Fest and Willamette Park boat launch, 9-6 that day.  Upstream lockages by small craft are not recommended that day due to the necessity of very slow lifts. To find Bernert Landing at Willamette Park:
  •  Exit #6 from I-205
  • South under freeway into West Linn & Up 7th Avenue (main street) and down to left (east) to park.
  • Launch your craft either at the dock or from the beach at the confluence of the Tualatin and Willamette rivers, SE park corner.
  • The actual time when you will enter the locks for locking-through is dependent on the timing of the Sternwheeler Rose, which will be first upstream lockage at 8 am.  Paddle-powered craft may need to wait at the upper guard locksuntil the Rose passes.


The early time and downstream passage is planned for small craft so as to avoid turbulence and congestion in the lock chambers and exhaust fumes from larger motorized craft.  The route to the locks is approximately 1-1/2 miles along the west bank of the Willamette, and does not go anywhere near the falls!  Experienced paddlers should lead the way and bring up the rear of any groups.

River patrol officers will watch above the falls and below the locks to ensure that no one happens into a hazardous areas or come into conflict with any fishering boats in the channel below, or with larger craft.

Take-out can be at the Oregon City dock adjoining the SportCraft Marina about ½ mile below the locks and across the river on the Oregon City side, or at SportCraft Marina.  Follow the signs at the stop light just north of the riverside motel on McLoughlin Blvd., opposite the I-205 Oregon City off ramp.

SportCraft rents canoes and kayaks and has a trailer for transporting them if a group wishes to rent several of their craft.

More ambitious paddlers are free to proceed on down the Willamette to the John Storm Dock just downstream from Sportcraft, or any of the downstream parks and moorages if they have made their own shuttle arrangements.  Those who return to the park at the locks and to Willamette Park will be able to visit the information booths, watch the programs and other craft passing up and down in the locks this day.

LockFest is an ideal time to be introduced to this unique and historic recreational element, the Willamette Falls Locks, a major element of the recently opened third leg of the Willamette River Water Trail, available to all paddlers and rowers, as well as motorized craft of all sizes.

There is no registration.  The transit of the locks will go as scheduled regardless of the weather. Lock Fest encourages colorful displays, dress, signs, bagpipes and promotional banners and flags.  Promote your service or club.  LockFest hopes that the lock chambers will be full of paddlers on the first downstream lockage.

Larger boats and groups are also invited to both go up the locks and down:  Boat and yacht clubs, individuals, and commercial craft and services.  We want to celebrate the recreational and commercial use of the river and the locks, and all are welcome.

Some hints if you are new to the Willamette Falls Locks:
  • You will want to have some rubber fenders or bumpers to protect the gunwales of your craft from abrasion or snagging by the rough heavy timber lining of the lock chambers or from the rough masonry where there is no timber lining.
  • <>For light craft, capped and empty ½ gallon plastic milk bottles with handles and a short cord to fasten to the sides, two or more work very well. Maybe more and heavier ones for larger fine craft.
  • Lines are dropped to you, one for the bow and one for the stern, more for larger craft, which are attached to the railings above on the chamber walls... You hold these lines to keep from drifting around in the chamber due to the current, both when going up and when going down.
  • Gloves are a good idea to protect your hands from abrasion.
  • Watch for snagged lines or loops.  You do not want to be upset or lifted out of the water as it lowers beneath you. DO NOT TIE OFF TO YOUR VESSEL.
  • When done, just toss the line overboard and paddle away.  The line will be retrieved by attending persons above.
  • Powered craft will have to keep the lines away from their propellers and rudders.
  • The lock chambers are in deep shade as the water level lowers, and you may want to have a  jacket or other covering to keep warm while waiting to move.
  • Have your camera ready to photograph the moment as the lower gates open to the next chamber, especially before leaving the lowest chamber opening to the lower Willamette.  It is an awesome sight.


Welcome and Bon Voyage.

Contact Willamette Falls Heritage Coalition
Al Staehli, member
503-235-3515
[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>