Wheatland Ferry Will Resume Operations

Recent floods left too much gravel for the ferry to pass after water levels receded. The Wheatland Ferry has served residents here for over a decade.

The Wheatland Ferry has served Oregonians for over 100 years Photo By: Tim King

(Wheatland) - The Wheatland Ferry will resume it's normal operating schedule Friday morning, March 10th, at 5:30 AM. The vessel has not been in operation due to increased gravel levels in the Willamette River.

When the Wheatland Ferry is not open, those who use the route to cross the river between Marion and Yamhill Counties have to drive a considerable distance around.

Dating back well over 100 years, the ferry first came into existence to help farmers deliver their crops from their fields.

They still use it for the same purpose.

The increased amounts of gravel that brought about shallow conditions for the ferry are a result of recent floods in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Willamette River waters overflowed banks and moved large amounts of rocks, gravel and debris.