From Newberg north, farmland gradually shifts to suburbs, waterfront homes, and a string of small cities at the edge of the Portland metro area. Portland’s vibrant mix of buildings and bridges gives way quickly to industrial and marine facilities in Portland Harbor. The lower Willamette has the poorest health of all three reaches, with a C+ grade. Key concerns are poor juvenile Chinook populations, fish consumption advisories, and poor water quality, including toxic contamination in the Portland Harbor Superfund site.
