By Sarah Taylor, co-founder and board member of Braided River Campaign. Share your comments and questions with Sarah at sarahsojourner@mac.com.

What is the North Reach of the Willamette River?

The North Reach refers to the last nine miles of the Willamette River from the Broadway Bridge to where the Willamette River meets the Columbia River at Kelly Point Park. 

Portland divided its part of the Willamette River into three sections; the south, central and north reach.   These terms were created as part of the state mandated Greenway Plan for every area that borders the Willamette River.

What is the Lower Willamette River?

The area from Willamette Falls to the confluence with the Columbia River is known as the Lower Willamette.   This part of the river is tidal and flows through Portland.  The tidal changes can cause the river to change its depth and even change the direction it flows.  A very low tide can cause the river to change direction and flow south. 

What Portland city council districts are impacted by decisions in the North Reach?

Every city council district in Portland borders the Willamette or Columbia Rivers, the Columbia Sloug,h or creeks that are tributaries of the Willamette River.  District 2 and 4 are directly part of the North Reach.