Sign up for Willamette River PaddleCross Tour, Challenge to be held July 22-23

The 2022 Willamette River Festival is holding its sixth Annual Willamette PaddleCross Challenge on July 23, 2022.

Come join us for the one and only premiere paddling event on the Willamette River, attracting a diverse set of skilled watercraft users and river enthusiasts alike.

Not just a race, the Willamette PaddleCross Challenge offers a great way to explore our local river and gain water navigation experience with the support of experienced guides and safety specialists, along both flat water and whitewater. This unique event aims to increase equitable access to the river, improve public recreational safety, as well showcase the natural and recreational assets our community has in the Willamette River.

The challenge course starts in Alton Baker Park in Eugene, and travels up the Canoe Canal into Springfield, where participants will portage over to the Willamette River and paddle downstream through several rapids back to Alton Baker Park, with a dramatic conclusion as racers cross the finish line halfway across the DeFazio Bridge.

Race it, or paddle it just for fun.

Register at www.willametteriverfest.org to compete against other participants or paddle it as a personal challenge to the finish! Online registration is open NOW. Paddlers under the age of 18 participate free with a parent; all others may register for $25. Click the links to register:

• July 22, Guided PaddleCross Sunset Tour
• July 23, Willamette PaddleCross Challenge

For more information about the Willamette River Festival, including complete calendar of events and sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, visit www.willametteriverfest.org.