About the Project 

The North Yamhill, South Yamhill, and main stem Yamhill Rivers, along with Mill and Willamina Creeks, comprise more than 120 river miles with both flat and whitewater sections. Collectively referred to as the Yamhill Rivers, these waterways have much to offer in the way of year-round, family-friendly recreational opportunities including wildlife viewing, floating, fishing, whitewater rafting and paddling. However, formal access is limited, and lack of improved access can be a challenge to enjoying the river. 

Community leaders in Sheridan, Willamina, McMinnville, Lafayette, Dayton, and Yamhill County have expressed interest in improving river access. Tourism entities at the local, regional, and state levels with the capacity to convene partners and provide funding came on board in fall of 2023. They helped form a steering committee of community leaders and organize public meetings to hear feedback about improving recreational opportunities on these waterways.

This steering committee met a total of seven times between November 2023 and July 2024, leading to the creation of the strategy analysis. This plan is the first step in the effort to identify priority locations that should be developed to provide more and better river access. Selection of a site, however, does not necessarily mean that it is being recommended for boat ramps, as public river access is provided through various activities, including viewing the riparian corridor and associated wildlife, shore casting, and sitting along the banks and watching the river.
During this period, the committee also applied to receive technical assistance from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program (NPS-RTCA) and was successful in a competitive pool of applicants. Beginning in fall 2024, the City of Sheridan, supported by members of the steering committee and other community leaders, will work with two dedicated NPS RTCA team members to continue the strategic planning of improved access to the Yamhill Rivers.