The Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership believes the Water Trail provides a great opportunity for citizens of all ages to enjoy the river, learn about it through direct experience, and value its importance to quality of life in the Northwest.

One of the first tasks the Water Trail Committee undertook was developing a common vision and goals for the Lower Columbia River Water Trail. With unanimous support, the following vision and goals were developed and agreed to by the Water Trail Committee.

Vision

A water trail on the free-flowing Lower Columbia River from Bonneville Dam to the Pacific Ocean that people in non-motorized boats can safely travel on for day or overnight explorations.

Goals

To physically, intellectually, and spiritually connect people with the Lower Columbia River

To promote the water trail as a valuable resource for recreation, education, and stewardship

To increase and improve public access and environmentally sensitive launch, landing, and camp sites for non-motorized boats along the water trail

To acknowledge both historic and modern-day water trail stories by promoting places of historical, cultural, and recreational interest along the river

To encourage communities, counties, businesses, and individuals to support, promote, and connect to the water trail

To coordinate with planning efforts and events for the 2003-2006 Lewis and Clark Bicentennial