Oregon Invests in Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project
Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project Secures Legislative Support
Lawmakers approve $45 million to restore public access to one of Oregon’s most iconic places.
WEST LINN, OREGON – The Oregon Legislature has approved $45 million to help secure, restore and protect a historically and culturally significant landscape with stunning views and critical access to Willamette Falls.
The property includes more than 40 acres on a portion of Moore’s Island in West Linn that comprise the Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project proposed by the Willamette Falls Trust.
The second largest waterfall, by volume, in the United States, Willamette Falls is a place where Native Peoples have gathered First Foods, fished, and connected with other Tribal neighbors since time immemorial. Petroglyphs dotting the landscape date between 7,000 and 12,000 years before present. But industrial activities have kept the area largely inaccessible to the general public for more than 150 years.
Recent events, including the closure of a paper mill at the location, present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring public access back to this iconic place.
Willamette Falls Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring access to the Falls for all and forever. The Trust’s Board of Directors includes representatives of four Tribes with extensive cultural, legal and historical ties to the Falls: Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, and Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon.
“We share a vision that seeks to restore, rehabilitate, and heal the landscape from over 150 years of industrialization. Our shared vision provides for a space where all our histories and truths can be told,” said Davis “Yellowash” Washines, Willamette Falls Trust Board Immediate Past Chair and DNR Government Relations Liaison for the Yakama Nation.
The Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project is unique, not just because of its landscape, but because it demonstrates unprecedented multi-Tribal collaboration on a large-scale. A public access project of this magnitude will serve as a blueprint for holistic Indigenous community engagement across the nation.
The project spans more than 40 acres on Moore’s Island and surrounding uplands on the west side of the river. Once completed, the area will feature inclusive, family-friendly spaces where visitors can experience the power and beauty of the Falls. Interactive exhibitions will include information about native wildlife, Indigenous cultures and local histories.
The Oregon Legislature voted to approve $45 million in state bonds to secure and restore public access to this iconic Oregon treasure. The Trust is also seeking funds from other public and private resources.
“We, as Oregonians, are presented with an incredible opportunity to create a remarkable public space that will be visited and enjoyed for generations to come,” said Christine Lewis, District 2 Metro Councilor and Trust Board Member.
Willamette Falls is central to the Vision Plan under development by the City of West Linn and community members to transform 275 acres of the city’s waterfront.
“By centering Indigenous leadership, we have an opportunity to tell the important story of Willamette Falls. We are committed to a project that honors that history, brings together community and heals the environment,” said Mary Baumgardner, West Linn City Council President and Trust Board Member.
Former Gov. Kate Brown, who is now serving as President for the Trust, acknowledged the importance of state support.
“We are so grateful that the Legislature, under the leadership of Senate President Rob Wagner, has recognized the significance of Willamette Falls for all Oregonians,” Brown said.
In June 2023, Willamette Falls Trust and Portland General Electric signed a Feasibility & Cooperation Agreement enabling the Trust to assess PGE property outside of the federally regulated boundaries and excluding the hydroelectric project operating on site. Environmental assessments found the area can be restored and revitalized for public use.
More information and photographs from Willamette Falls Trust and the Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project are available at willamettefallstrust.org.
