Page 112 - Clackamas County Watertourism Strategic Plan. Final.v3

STRATEGIC PLAN FOR WATER-BASED TOURISM IN CLACKAMAS COUNTY, OREGON THE OPPORTUNITIES
6-9

Willamette River Corridor Physical
Improvements

Recommendation 16: Car Top boat portage at West Linn Paper

Providing a safe boater passage at Willamette Falls has been a long-standing challenge. Industrial usage of the water falls for power and paper
production created land uses incompatible for recreational boaters. The recent closure of the West Linn Paper Mill causes great concern in terms of
job losses and economic impacts. While creating a small boat portage trail at the falls through the West Linn Paper plant will not remedy the loss, it
can provide one positive element for the community. Recreational boaters in West Linn would now be able to paddle the entire 7-mile length of the
City from Willamette Park to Cedar Oak Boat Ramp, or Mary S. Young Park. Upstream and downstream passage is equally possible. The small boat
portaged at this location has always been physically possible. There would be no new capital improvements necessary. Historically, it was prevented
because industrial and recreational uses were not compatible in this tight location; boaters portaging small boats through an industrial area was not
safe. This safely concern is practically eliminated with the closure of the plant.

Boat portage at this site is also a win for the City in terms of attracting water-based recreationist from around the market area. Opening a passage at
the Willamette Falls will be an historic event in the life of the Willamette River. It would help put Clackamas County “On the Map” and attract new
visitors to West’s Linn’s downtown. Market surveys as part of this study show paddlers from throughout the market area are interested in traversing
these falls. West Linn would receive a new market of visitors, making the Urban-River Interface at Willamette Park all that more important and
profitable.
Recommendation 17: Riverfront Park, Milwaukie
The Milwaukie Downtown and Riverfront Plan Land Use Framework Plan (Oct 31, 2015) is created to connect downtown Milwaukee with the
riverfront. According to the framework plan, the objective of Milwaukie’s Riverfront Park is to serve “as the living room” of the city’s downtown. The
Plan states, “Riverfront Park will be the location for special events such as "Festival Daze," holiday celebrations, and community assemblies. Safe
pedestrian and bicycle crossings between downtown, Riverfront Park, and multiuse trails are important. Pedestrian connections will be strengthened
at key east/west streets to enhance pedestrian and bicycle access to the park.” Numerous projects are proposed to implement this vision. The Klein
Point overlook was completed in 2012 as part of phase 1. The City has a goal of creating an amphitheater, a plaza, beautifications and more
pedestrian friendly amenities. Some of the planned improvements at Riverfront Park would be assets to encourage water-based tourism.