Oregon Rules and Policies

Always familiarize yourself with applicable laws before heading out on the water. Failing to follow boating rules and policies puts other users and property at risk.

The following links may be helpful resources for Oregon boaters.

Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) website

OSMB's Experience Oregon Boating Brochure

OR Rule 250-020-0032  Boat Operations on the Willamette River in Clackamas County.

OR Rule 250-020-0385  Boat Operations in Yamhill and Marion Counties (full text below).

(1) No person shall operate a motorboat in excess of 5 MPH during July and August between river miles 44.5 and 45.0, as marked during the hours of 7–10 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, during evenings on which the historic Champoeg Pageant is performed.

(2) On the Willamette River from the Hwy 219 Bridge at RM 48.5 to the upper end of Willow Island at RM 31.5, the following rules apply:

(a) No person shall operate a motorboat at a speed in excess of a "slow—no wake" speed within 100 feet of private docks, boathouses or moorages legally permitted by the Oregon Department of State Lands.

(b) No person shall use wake-enhancing devices, including ballast tanks, wedges or hydrofoils or other mechanical devices, or un-even loading of persons or gear, to artificially operate bow-high.

(c) Effective 12:01 am, May 1, 2014 and ending October 31, 2014, 11:59 pm, the use of wake-enhancing devices from the Hwy 219 Bridge at RM 48.5 to RM 47 are allowed.