Willamette River

Sight·PortlandRecommended by 2 publications

Willamette River — Photo: Wikimedia Commons

“The Willamette River is a major tributary of the Columbia River, accounting for 12 to 15 percent of the Columbia's flow. The Willamette's main stem is 187 miles (301 km) long, lying entirely in northwestern Oregon in the United States. Flowing northward between the Oregon Coast Range and the…”

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In the coverage2 stories

OutsideMay 27

The Rise of Urban Swimming in the U.S.

From Portland to Baltimore, once-toxic rivers are becoming the nation’s newest playgrounds as swimmers reclaim their right to city waters.

Seven beaches and two docks now offer permanent access.

11 things in this story

Chicago River SwimFestivalFirst in a century, offers unique city perspective.
Swimmable CitiesPlaceGlobal movement chartered in 2024, champions urban waterway swimming.
A Long SwimPlaceNonprofit supporting ALS research, runs Chicago river swims.
Human Access Project (HAP)PlaceLed way to permanent access at seven beaches and two docks.
Willamette RiverSightSeven beaches and two docks now offer permanent access.
Baltimore Open Water SwimmersPlaceStarted by Katie Pumphrey for harbor swims.
Chesapeake BaySightThe bay is located in the Mid-Atlantic region and is primarily separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Delmarva…
Waterfront Partnership of BaltimorePlaceNonprofit group aiming to make harbor safe for swimming.
+POOLSightFloating pool concept with filtered river water.
Pier 35SightLocation for a smaller pilot pool being tested this summer.
Coney IslandSightDesignated beach area outside of classified swimming waterfront.

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Atlas ObscuraOct 14, 2025

Wilhelm’s Portland Memorial Funeral Home in Portland, Oregon

In 1901, the original Portland Crematorium was established as the first of its kind west of the Mississippi. The established gradually expanded in its services and physical footprint in the following decades, and today is a 8-story tall complex of maze-like hallways, elaborate memorials and crypts, and beautiful stained glass and statues. The mausoleum is 3 stories above ground, and 5 stories d…

8 things in this story

Portland CrematoriumMuseumFirst of its kind west of the Mississippi
Portland Memorial Mausoleum MuralSightOne of the largest murals in the United States
Povey BrothersPlaceCrafted ornate stained glass found throughout
George RaePlaceWealthiest man in Portland history
Willamette RiverSightThe Willamette's main stem is 187 miles (301 km) long, lying entirely in northwestern Oregon in the United States.
Pike Place MarketMarketIt opened on August 17, 1907, and is one of the older continuously operated public farmers' markets in the United…
Oaks Bottom Wetlands Wildlife AreaSight
Rae roomSight

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More sights in PortlandSauvie Island Walton Beach Collins Beach Chesapeake Bay +POOL Pier 35

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