New Ferry has been installed and it is great. Support this unusual river crossing.
Was a great trip, the operator was nice and informative. The Oregon back country is beautiful. We stay off the interstate as much as possible and this made the day trip perfect.
There is a lovely little ferry that works in the Willametter Valley south of Independence. It allows a beautiful bike ride from Independence to Corvallis. You pass by a winery with good wine and a nice dog and have almost car free roads for almost two hours. This trip is at risk because the ferry is old and the state doesn't want to replace it. I hope that anyone in Oregon or the surrounding states (49) comes to do this trip and campagne to keep this little ferry working.
Not many ferries left on the Willamette River. For a great "Sunday Drive", the trip out to Independence and the ride across the river on the ferry is great fun!
Our bike tour crossed this ferry. The operator engaged in enjoyable banter with us as we crossed. Bikes are $1.00 each. The ferry boat is only one year old. Very nice experience on this quiet stretch of river in a very rural area. (Psst - you're supposed to walk your bike onto the ferry, but they won't bug you about it if you ride!)
This is a not-to-be-missed travel experience. Drive you care on this barge and get pulled across a 40' river. What fun! Worth the detour.
We happened along this ferry so we got on board to cross the mighty Willamette River from the Salem side to Independence. It's just a nice switch from driving the curvy (albeit scenic) road and barely costs a thing. I think $3.00.
My husband and I were driving around north of Corvallis when we stumbled across the Buena Vista Ferry We couldn't believe we have both lived in Oregon all our lives and had never known about this ferry so of coarse we loaded the car on the ferry and went across the river I have to say this is now one of my favorite ways to cross the river. We had to take some of our family to see and ride it.
Get off the "beaten path" and enjoy a few minutes of a relaxing and scenic ferry ride (with a new ferry) for a couple of bucks. Then enjoy the park (west side) and the beautiful Willamette River.
One of three ferries on the Willamette (Wheatland and Canby) that still give regular service. Beuna Vista ferry does have limited service when the water levels are high. Many use it for regular travel and commuting, but at least take the kids, it will give them something to talk about.