Press Release | Willamette Falls Trust Takes First Step Toward Restoring Public Access, Sacred Spaces at Willamette Falls

WEST LINN, OREGON – Willamette Falls Trust and Portland General Electric have signed a Feasibility & Cooperation Agreement enabling the Trust to assess a portion of PGE property on the island on the west side of the Willamette Falls for a project intended to return public access to a place of deep spiritual, cultural and historical connection for the region.

The Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project would create spaces for the public to gather near the second-largest waterfall in North America.

“Our vision is to secure public access to Willamette Falls that is free, inclusive, and brings healing to this sacred place for the many generations to come,” said Robert Kentta, Chair of Willamette Falls Trust. “This Agreement marks an important first step toward elevating the cultures and lifeways of the many Indigenous people with connections to the land and water that have sustained us for millennia. It will give all people a deeper sense of place in this incredible cultural landscape.”

Since 2015, the Trust has focused on creating public access to Willamette Falls and representing the decision-making authority of the many Tribes connected to this sacred place. The Board of Directors of the non-profit organization 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. The Tribal Leadership Committee holds seats for other federally recognized Tribes with interests at the Falls.

The Island on the West Linn side of the Willamette River affords close and dramatic views of Willamette Falls. PGE generates electricity at its Willamette Falls Hydroelectric Project and owns property on the island. Through this cooperative Agreement, the Trust will engage experts to study PGE property outside of areas under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) boundaries around the power plant. Pending the outcome of those feasibility studies, the Trust will determine the costs and timeline for potential acquisition and reclamation of the area.

“This Agreement reflects our recognition of the area’s immense importance and is consistent with our goal to provide safe access to federally recognized Northwest Tribes to support traditional cultural practices at the Falls,” said Nik Blosser, Vice President of Public Affairs at Portland General Electric.

To date, approximately $40 million in public and private dollars has been earmarked to restore meaningful public access to Willamette Falls.

The Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project on the island west of Willamette Falls is envisioned to include public walkways, spaces for interpretation, cultural events, community programming, viewing structures and other public amenities, all informed by Indigenous-led design.

Willamette Falls is located within the district of Senate President Rob Wagner, D-Lake Oswego, who said Willamette Falls Trust, with its focus on inter-Tribal leadership, is uniquely qualified to lead this project.

“Willamette Falls is an iconic environmental and cultural treasure for Oregon,” he said. “We look forward to working together to restore public access to the Falls and build stronger, healthier relationships with each other and for this natural wonder which is so significant to many.”

More information about Willamette Falls Trust and the Willamette Falls Inter-Tribal Public Access Project is available at willamettefallstrust.org.