Willamette River Ferries Are A Bridge To The Past

Much has changed in Oregon's Willamette Valley since pioneer days. One holdover from the mid-1800s: in a few spots, you can still cross the river by ferry boat.
Subscribe to our channel for new OPB videos every week: www.youtube.co...

[@Noeskes]

For those asking, Buena Vista is 7 miles south of Independence. The ferry was operating as of about 2 weeks ago, we went across.

[@vijaymenon5738]

I was about to ask where is this ferry's at!

[@catalina9844]

I love the ferries! I grew up using the Wheatland Ferry.

[@GuantanamoBayBarbie2]

I did too! (And on the Buena Vista ferry occasionally.) My grandparents farmed 60 acres just north of Spongs Landing Park, on the river, NW of Keizer. In fact my grandfather sold the county 10 acres when they created that park.
I grew up playing in the woods all around there, and along the river. There were a lot more trees in the area back then. Mostly old, very tall Douglas Fir - some as tall as 150 ft and of enormous girth.
There was a long narrow stand of about 5 acres across the road from our family homes that were my treasured friends. I grew up playing over under them. I even moved back to the farm to take care of my grandmother until she died, and my 4 boys also had the privilege of that wonderful childhood lifestyle for 4 years, and played under those beautiful old trees.
I cried like a baby when the owners of that property logged them all. Total clearcut, turned to farmland.
Great horned owls nested in those beautiful trees for generations. But hey - they got $1000/tree and they wanted a pool. So nothing matters as much as a pool, right? They're just trees, right? There just birds, right?
🤑🤑🤑/😡😡😡/🤢🤢🤮

[@surrenderbend6828]

Praying for this guy, hope he’s still working

[@vbickford]

I didn't know I needed this. Wonderful. I'm going to take my dog for a ride to our peaceful place today

[@Cromeola]

I love ferry rides! Great feature!

[@RevN3]

Great video. I have been planning a trip that allows me to take all 4 of the last Oregon ferries in one day.

[@MC900t]

A piece of modern history. Bravo.
Have witnessed the ferry crossing from canoe viewpoint many times.

[@SteveColburn3]

Not long after moving to Portland 15 years ago, our first trek to Willamette Valley wineries & vineyards found us in the valley, but on the wrong side of the river. Who knew the same road, 99 E & W, was separated by a big river - with no bridge for many miles? The ferry saved the day in a beautiful and memorable fashion.
If you've never crossed on the ferry, give it a try. You'll like it - guaranteed.

[@cathyrose4733]

@@SteveColburn3 Where does one find these ferries?

[@SteveColburn3]

@@cathyrose4733 Google maps shows 3: www.google.com/maps/search/ferries+across+the+willammete+river/@45.0441401,-123.1834558,10z?hl=en

[@johncardenas5906]

Beautiful story.

[@markevens]

beautiful

[@wesleybennett6186]

What ferry is this? l use to ride the Bremerton ferry when I was stationed at the Naval base there.

[@vf12497439]

Not sure? Wheatland ferry? Up by Salem

[@spoonfishing]

The ferry pilot came off very uptight, stressed and impatient. NOT! Too bad a river crossing is a pretty short ride. Dang.