Jetboat Adventures with Willamette Jetboat Excursions in Portland

Portland, Oregon, sits at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, a dynamic landscape shaped by cascading waters and dense evergreen forests. Willamette Jetboat Excursions offers a standout way to experience this rugged waterfront by boat, combining fast-paced thrills and insightful narration on multiple tour options ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours. Whether skimming beneath Portland’s iconic bridges or racing toward the thunderous Willamette Falls, guests are immersed in this Pacific Northwest river system’s distinct natural and cultural features.

The fleet’s routes include a quick and scenic 30-minute run, a 1-hour waterfront and bridge tour, and a 2-hour chase toward the impressive Willamette Falls, one of the largest waterfall stretches in the region. The 3-hour lunch tour on the Columbia River pairs the excitement of jetboat spins and river rapids with a locally sourced, satisfying meal—defying common expectations of on-the-water dining. Along the way, captains share history of river commerce, Portland’s bridge engineering, and Indigenous significance tied to these waters.

Wildlife is a highlight on these tours, with frequent sightings of bald eagles and osprey, including baby birds in their riverside nests. Guests also enjoy the splashy antics of swift currents, keeping everyone engaged and alert from start to finish. The company’s commitment to safety and friendly, fun captains makes it accessible for a diverse crowd, including families and those wary of motion sickness.

With departure from a central location near OMSI, it’s easy to combine these jetboat tours with other urban adventures or scenic hikes along the rivers. Willamette Jetboat Excursions offers one of the few ways to intimately and actively connect with Oregon’s riverways in a way that fuels adrenaline while delivering a well-rounded natural and historical narrative.