Top Marinas for Boaters in Portland, Oregon

Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant riverside city known for its beautiful waterfront, scenic boating opportunities, and top marinas for boaters seeking reliable moorage and high-quality amenities. Whether you’re a casual boater, a yacht owner, or just visiting for a day cruise, Portland has several outstanding marinas nestled along the Willamette River offering convenient access to fuel docks, waterfront restaurants, and downtown Portland charm.

Why Portland Is a Marina Haven

Thanks to its location at the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland has become a strategic stop for recreational boaters. The city’s waterways serve as aquatic highways, connecting residents and visitors to the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty. Boating in Portland is more than a pastime—it’s a way to explore the region’s hidden inlets, urban skyline, and green shores.

The Willamette River cuts through the heart of the city, giving boaters an immersive experience in both nature and city life. Marinas here are not only well-equipped with essentials like fuel docks and restrooms, but also offer unique charm, especially those near downtown Portland.

RiverPlace Marina: A Premier Downtown Option

Experience RiverPlace Marina in the Heart of the City

RiverPlace Marina stands as one of the most popular choices among boaters due to its location directly on the Willamette River. Positioned near the South Waterfront and just steps from downtown Portland, this marina offers unparalleled access to restaurants, boutique shops, and riverside parks.

This marina offers 24/7 access, secure moorage, and proximity to the vibrant RiverPlace district. Boat owners appreciate the facility’s floating docks and ease of docking.

The marina offers:

• Easy access to a fuel dock nearby
• Restrooms and laundry facilities
• Close connection to public transportation
• A short walk to local events and the waterfront

Whether you’re looking to dock your boat for a few hours or several days, RiverPlace Marina is an ideal launch point to explore Portland.

Portland Yacht Club: Heritage and Hospitality

A Private Marina with Rich Tradition

Founded in 1908, the Portland Yacht Club blends history with world-class marina service. Located on NE Marine Drive, this marina offers a private, secure moorage option for its members, while also maintaining guest slips for traveling boaters.

Set along the Columbia River (just northeast of the Willamette), it provides direct access to the water with minimal interference from commercial traffic. Boaters appreciate the full-service clubhouse, laundry facilities, restrooms, and events hosted throughout the year.

With fuel docks located nearby, it’s a convenient option for boaters wanting both function and tradition.

Rocky Pointe Marina: A Charming Riverside Retreat

Tranquility Just Minutes from the City

Located in Scappoose, west of Portland, Rocky Pointe Marina provides a more serene experience for boaters looking to escape the downtown bustle. Tucked along the Multnomah Channel—an offshoot of the Willamette—this marina offers a natural setting surrounded by greenery and wildlife.

Rocky Pointe is ideal for long-term boaters or liveaboards. It has laundry facilities, private restrooms, pump-out stations, and a fuel dock that ensures convenience for extended stays.

Boaters looking for a hidden gem with peaceful charm and reliable marina service often make this their home on the water.

McCuddy’s Marina: Several Locations, One Trusted Name

Convenience and Coverage Across the Region

McCuddy’s operates multiple marinas around Portland, giving boaters a variety of locations to choose from based on their travel needs. Their flagship location near Hayden Island on the Columbia River is highly popular due to its size and available slips.

Each McCuddy’s marina offers:

• Well-maintained moorage
• Access to a fuel dock
• On-site service and repair
• Clean restrooms and modern amenities

Their network gives boaters flexibility and dependable marina service, whether cruising up the Columbia or down the Willamette.

Tomahawk Island Marina: A Vibrant Boating Community

One of the Largest Marinas in the Area

Tomahawk Island Marina sits on Hayden Island and is considered one of the largest full-service marinas in Portland. With over 650 slips and a vibrant community of boaters, it’s ideal for both transient and long-term moorage.

Offering:

• Immediate access to a well-stocked fuel dock
• Shore power, pump-out stations, and laundry facilities
• On-site marine services and retail

This marina is perfect for boaters who want it all—community, convenience, and river access.

Sundance Marina: Luxury Moorage on the Willamette

Upscale Access for the Discerning Boater

If you’re seeking refined service and upscale marina amenities, Sundance Marina is a top choice. Located south of downtown on the Willamette River, this private marina offers covered slips and secure moorage.

With a nearby fuel dock and premium service offerings, it’s designed for yacht owners and boating enthusiasts who demand comfort and convenience.

The marina offers:

• Concierge-level service
• Year-round moorage
• Beautiful waterfront views
• Close proximity to Lake Oswego

Boaters who value comfort and a premium marina experience will find this facility ideal.

Amenities Boaters Should Look For

When choosing a marina in Portland, there are several essential features that experienced boaters recommend:

Fuel Dock Access

With fuel dock availability at the top of the list, Portland marinas meet the need by having reliable, clean, and easy-to-use fueling stations. Whether you’re cruising the Willamette River or headed toward the Columbia, a nearby fuel dock is key.

Laundry Facilities and Restrooms

Long-term boaters especially value marinas that offer clean, secure, and regularly serviced facilities. Marinas such as RiverPlace and Tomahawk Island go above and beyond with their offerings.

Convenient Moorage Options

From transient slips to long-term contracts, Portland’s marinas cater to a variety of needs. Some even offer private moorage or access to yacht clubs, enhancing your boating lifestyle.

Explore Downtown Portland by Water

Choosing a marina close to downtown Portland offers more than just a place to tie up. It means easy access to entertainment, dining, and culture. RiverPlace Marina, for instance, allows boaters to enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife, Saturday Market, or scenic waterfront paths—all within walking distance.

It’s a rare luxury to dock your boat and be steps away from award-winning restaurants and boutique shopping.

The Boater’s Gateway to the Willamette River

The Willamette River is central to Portland’s boating experience. Its calm flow, scenic bridges, and shoreline parks make it ideal for both experienced and casual boaters. Whether cruising south toward Willamette Falls or north toward the Columbia River, the city’s marinas are perfectly positioned.

Boating along the Willamette also gives boaters a chance to enjoy the city’s skyline, summer events, and vibrant community—all from the water.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Marina in Portland

For boaters visiting or living in Portland, selecting the right marina depends on your needs—be it proximity to downtown, quiet natural settings, or access to services like a fuel dock and laundry facilities. The top marinas for boaters in Portland, Oregon, reflect the city’s commitment to waterfront living and quality service.

From RiverPlace Marina’s downtown charm to the spacious offerings of Tomahawk Island and McCuddy’s facilities, Portland remains a premier boating destination in the Pacific Northwest. So go ahead—dock your boat, explore the city, and experience the very best of the Willamette.