Follow the Water – Connecting People in Oregon, SW Washington, Columbia River & Coastal Communities

“Water is our first medicine.
When you have nothing else - Water”

- Judy Bluehorse Skelton

Water Connects Everything

If you are looking for a deeper connection to water - through recreation, education, science, arts, and beyond, we invite you to dive in!

Stories from Our Community

In this award-winning three part documentary series (produced in partnership with Columbia River Intertribal Fish Council and MetroEast Community Media). Follow the Water explores our connection to water, from its sacred role in our spiritual health to our practical need for clean water from our taps.

Chapter 1: Connection

Water is the reason this planet is so special and unique. Everything that lives here relies on water. Listen to personal stories about the powerful connection we have with water, our food supply, and our well-being. The purity of our water sources is crucial to this connection but recovery for our water, our health, and our environment is possible.

Chapter 2: Disconnection

Chapter 3: Reconnection

Learn more about this project

Take Me to the River

If you are looking for places in Oregon and South Washington to recreate in, on, or near water, we have the resources for you, including helpful tips for people looking for accessible and family friendly options.

Beachside Accessibility

Have you recently visited the Oregon Coast and found the blue carpet rolled out for you? Mobi-Mats are game changers for outdoor accessibility, transforming tricky terrains like beaches, parks, and trails into a welcoming space for all. These portable, temporary pathways create stable, easy-to-navigate surfaces for people with mobility challenges—whether they’re using a wheelchair, cane,… Continue Reading Beachside Accessibility

Lithia Park

What activities can you enjoy in Southern Oregon? A pleasant walk to Lithia Park can get you moving! Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon runs alongside Ashland Creek. In the park, visitors can enjoy trail running, mountain biking, and hiking on a three-mile trail that connects to additional trails and recreation sites. At the entrance, you… Continue Reading Lithia Park

Tumalo State Park

When you’re enjoying the great outdoors in Central Oregon, make sure to visit Tumalo State Park near Bend! Upon arrival, you can immediately access a 2.4-mile Tumalo segment of the 12-mile Deschutes River Trail. Its location makes it an ideal campground for miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking. Fishing along the Deschutes River is… Continue Reading Tumalo State Park

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BRj8cWTlZ-y/">Photo by @mybullies_x3</a>

Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers

When you’re exploring the coast near Lincoln City, Oregon, be on the lookout for the colorful twinkle of a hand-blown glass float. As the name suggests, those who find one get to keep it! The glass floats hold a special connection to water. Treasure hunters used to search Oregon’s coastline for Japanese fishing floats. The… Continue Reading Lincoln City’s Finders Keepers

Soundwalks Around Portland

Plug in your headphones, listen to an audio guide, and take a stroll through a beautiful park in Portland, Oregon. Soundwalks are immersive experiences where the listener participates in an audio and visual journey. These soundwalks usually take around 40-60 minutes to complete. One such soundwalk is called “Heal the Land, Heal the People, Cully… Continue Reading Soundwalks Around Portland

Take Care Out There

“Take Care Out There” is a campaign that aims to help promote responsible recreation in Oregon and ensure outdoor opportunities for health, connection, and joy for generations to come. To help preserve Oregon for generations to come by following these three simple values: Prepare, Care, Connect. Prepare Plan Ahead Be Ready Don’t Forget Care Make… Continue Reading Take Care Out There

<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipOmPj5UMtEs20koCRJOt8JMcJrCWsx4RMP1yQr5=s1360-w1360-h1020">Photo by Arya Yae</a>

Meadowlark Prairie Trailhead / Amazon Creek

Meadowlark Prairie Trailhead Meadowlark Prairie Trailhead is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends! The trail starts in the forested hills of South Eugene, Oregon, and winds around Amazon Creek. At the trailhead, you can bike at Fern Ridge Path and find amenities such as restrooms, picnic tables, and a viewing… Continue Reading Meadowlark Prairie Trailhead / Amazon Creek

<a href="https://www.theswimguide.org/">Photo by Swim Guide</a>

Find A River Near You With The Swim Guide App

Every season, the allure of cool, refreshing water draws people to visit the rivers, lakes, and beaches of Oregon and Washington. However, with water quality and safety concerns, accessing reliable information is crucial before taking a dip. That’s where the Swim Guide app, developed by Columbia Riverkeeper, comes in. The Swim Guide app tracks data… Continue Reading Find A River Near You With The Swim Guide App

<a href="https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/Pages/Life-Jacket-Loaner-Stations.aspx?fbclid=IwAR1gce94C5vCON_hhwewBm7yVIjmmU-B8EqloZZXO4a0TsNGy9jF2mnUOaA">Photo by Oregon.gov</a>

Stay Safe And Use Life Jacket Loaner Stations

What’s that in the forecast? Warm weather? It’s a great time to get out to the river, but remember, it’s important to be safe out in the water! Do you know how to stay safe while you’re swimming? The state of Oregon operates life jacket loaner stations on an honor system—an essential for accessible summertime… Continue Reading Stay Safe And Use Life Jacket Loaner Stations

<a href="https://www.kidsinparks.com/dallas-city-park">Photo by Kids in Parks – Track Trail</a>

TRACK Trails

Hiking isn’t just walking in nature—it can be a scavenger hunt! The TRACK trails program by Kids in Parks provides young children and families with curiosity-sparking guides, turning hikes into exciting, treasure-finding journeys. Each trail has brochures that teach kids about local birds, trees, flowers, insects, and animal tracks. Families can enhance their adventures through… Continue Reading TRACK Trails

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Current Culture

For time immemorial, the waters of our region have inspired creativity and ingenuity. Learn more about how water inspires arts and culture in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Honoring our Rivers Student Art Anthology

By Follow the Water | April 9, 2025

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Soundwalks Around Portland

By Follow the Water | April 30, 2024

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Tribal Member Linda Meanus Writes About Our Connection to Water

By Follow the Water | January 16, 2024

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Get inspired

Curious About Water?

If you want to wade in to water science or deepen your knowledge about the many and varied water ways of our region, we invite you to check out our posts and resources.

Jefferson Lake in Jefferson County Oregon

Oregon Water Stories: Jefferson County

By Dave Paulsen | April 14, 2025

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Oregon Water Stories: Lincoln County

By Keller Armour | March 31, 2025

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Rapids on the Chewaucan River. Photo by Rob Davis

Oregon Water Stories: Lake County

By Iselda Acevedo | February 26, 2025

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Dip your toe in

Simple Acts to Protect Water

Whether its practical tips for water use around the house, or hands-on projects that allow you to take action to protect our local water ways, we have resources to help you become a local water hero.

What's Your Lawn Style?

Do you have a lawn at home? Then you can make a difference in river health today from the comfort of your own back (or front) yard.

Check out this program for tips from OSU Master Gardeners on how to maintain a beautiful and nature-friendly lawn.

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Connect With Us

Follow the Water is hosting a wide-ranging conversation about water. We invite you to follow us on social media or contact us via this website!

A day in the life of our intern on a relaxing fish

Are you a student who loves video and our waterway

PSU Professor Melissa Haefner’s freshman inquiry