How Safe Is It ACTUALLY to Swim in the Willamette River??
Even after decades of work to make the Willamette River a safe place to swim, lots of Portlanders still refuse to go in it. So where does this toxic reputation stem from and how safe is it ACTUALLY today? We’re talking with Willie Levenson, the Ringleader of the river advocacy group Human Access Project, about the revitalization of the Willamette and his favorite spots on the river to swim this summer.
Willie’s favorite swimming spots on the Willamette:
Kevin J. Duckworth Memorial Dock
Fire and Rescue Station 21 Dock
We’re doing a listener survey so we can make City Cast Portland an even better, more useful podcast for you. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey — it’s only 5 minutes long. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card!
Who would you like to hear on City Cast Portland? Shoot us an email at portland@citycast.fm, or leave us a voicemail at 503-208-5448.
Want more Portland news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Portland, and be sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Portland? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Portland and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
The Portland Fire Is on Fire, Sexual Misconduct Allegations Against a Local Spiritual Leader, and Do You Doughnut?
In honor of National Donut Day, we're looking into Portland's reputation as a doughnut town and sharing our favorite — and least favorite...

Patagonia vs. a Bend Drag Queen, AI in School, and Utility Rates Go Up
Today, we're talking about Patagonia's fight with a Bend drag queen, Portland Public Schools' new AI handbook, and our utility bills risi...

Oregon Strawberry Varieties You Need To Eat This Season
We’re taste testing our way through some of Oregon’s sweetest strawberries, and learning some new fun facts along the way. Like, did you...

How to Get Free Drinks at PDX, Longview Paper Mill Disaster’s Local Impact, Surprising Data on SNAP Recipients
We're talking about a new business at PDX airport that's offering a pretty cool perk to investors, the local impact of the Longview chemi...

Your Guide to June 2026 in Portland
Whether you’re enjoying a full week of eating strawberry shortcake or joining in on an LCD Soundsystem–themed group bike ride, June is of...

'Your City Could Be Better': How Chicago's Libraries Meet Community Needs — Presented By City Cast Portland
Where would Portland be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just t...

Controversial Arts Tax Goes up, Progressive City Councilor Accused of Discrimination, and Budget Drama Continues
Today on City Cast Portland, we're talking about our city's arts tax increasing for the first time in over a decade, a discrimination com...

Possible State Ban on Fishing and Hunting? Plus, Renaming Cesar Chavez Blvd and Mailbag!
We’re talking about the new name being considered to replace Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard as well as the ballot initiative aiming to ban hun...

Oregon’s Push For Universal Healthcare and a Controversial Parks Plan. Plus, Are Portlanders Really Doing OK?
We’re talking about whether Oregon is ready for universal healthcare, what it might take to save the city's parks system, and how Portlan...

Portland’s New Italian Delis To Try Right Now, a Moderated Food Fight, and Tiny Home, Big Smell
We're talking about nightmare neighbors, the trend of recent deli and sandwich spots opening up in Portland, plus local food reporters Al...

