Adventuring in Albany: Paddling, biking and running

Guest Blogger: top ideas for outdoor sports in Albany

It’s hard to top the Willamette Valley if you’re into adventure sports and spending time outdoors. Here are three reasons why:

• It’s home to the first Scenic Bikeway in the United States–the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, which offers cyclists a beautiful, history-filled, tranquil journey from Eugene to Champoeg State Park.
• A float down the Willamette River can have kayakers or canoers transported from an urban jungle to the feeling of wilderness within minutes of home or office.
• Runners rejoice at the multitude of options including Pre’s Trail in Eugene, MacDonald Dunn Forest trails in Corvallis, and the Dave Clark Trail along the Willamette in Downtown Albany.

Ways to enjoy all three

This August, the Calapooia Watershed Council, The Nature Conservancy, and the City of Albany are coming together to connect the dots and offer a race that features all of the outdoor adventure options available within minutes of historic downtown Albany.

On Saturday, Aug. 9, the Willamette River Relay starts at Hyak County Park with a 2.4 mile paddle down the Willamette River to Bryant Park, followed by a 15.2 mile bike ride along the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, wrapping up with a 6.2 mile run on the Dave Clark Trail, around Talking Water Gardens, and finishing in Monteith Riverpark.

Following the race, Monteith Riverpark will be alive with a family-friendly celebration of our local rivers that includes music from the Crescendo Show, a beer garden hosted by Calapooia Brewing Company, and information from groups engaged in conservation and restoration work throughout the Willamette Valley.

On Friday night before the race, come down to Monteith Riverpark for more live music, athlete packet pickup, and a showing of films from Freshwaters Illustrated on the restoration work happening through the Valley to make the Willamette and its tributaries healthier for both people and fish!

For more information, see www.riverrelay.com or call 541-466-3493.

About the Author

Kyle Smith is the Communications and Development Director for the Calapooia Watershed Council in Brownsville, Ore. Outside the office, he enjoys fly fishing, archery, bird hunting, and spending time with his Pudelpointer, Sawyer.