Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA)

Pacific Northwest Waterways Association (PNWA) Founded in 1934, PNWA is a collaboration of ports, businesses, public agencies and individuals.

The latest edition of PNWA’s Nor’wester Newsletter is now available.In this issue, we share updates on recent PNWA staff...
03/10/2026

The latest edition of PNWA’s Nor’wester Newsletter is now available.

In this issue, we share updates on recent PNWA staff outreach, regional engagement, and industry events, highlighting the many ways our team continues to connect with partners and stakeholders across the Pacific Northwest. From meetings with industry groups and community partners to participation in key maritime and policy discussions, PNWA remains actively engaged in advancing the priorities of our region’s waterways and ports.

This edition also includes a recap of the AAPA Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C., where port leaders from across the country came together to discuss federal priorities impacting navigation, trade, and supply chain resilience.

Stay up to date with the latest news and activities from PNWA:
🔗 https://www.pnwa.net/norwester-news-907/

Part 2 is here! Follow the Armchair Engineer to see more!Ride along the Columbia-Snake River System with the Armchair En...
03/07/2026

Part 2 is here! Follow the Armchair Engineer to see more!

Ride along the Columbia-Snake River System with the Armchair Engineer as a tug hauls grain from Eastern WA to Portland, Vancouver, and Longview—showcasing the working river that moves millions of tons each year.

Dams, Wallula Gap, and a 75-mile Columbia Gorge cruise—see it in action.



Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdrxHbSMrBI

Part 2 is here!PNWA encourages you to check out the Armchair Engineer’s latest video highlighting the Columbia Snake Riv...
03/02/2026

Part 2 is here!

PNWA encourages you to check out the Armchair Engineer’s latest video highlighting the Columbia Snake River System in action. In this episode, ride along on a tugboat hauling grain from Eastern Washington to Portland, Vancouver, and Longview—showcasing the real working river that moves millions of tons of cargo each year.

From Lower Monumental and Ice Harbor Dams to Wallula Gap, McNary Dam, and a 75 mile journey through the Columbia River Gorge, this series brings the river highway to life.

Watch now and stay tuned for Parts 3 and 4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdrxHbSMrBI

Part 2 has just released check it out! And follow more of the Part 2 is here!PNWA encourages you to check out the Armch...
02/28/2026

Part 2 has just released check it out! And follow more of the Part 2 is here!

PNWA encourages you to check out the Armchair Engineer’s latest video highlighting the Columbia Snake River System in action. In this episode, ride along on a tugboat hauling grain from Eastern Washington to Portland, Vancouver, and Longview—showcasing the real working river that moves millions of tons of cargo each year.

From Lower Monumental and Ice Harbor Dams to Wallula Gap, McNary Dam, and a 75 mile journey through the Columbia River Gorge, this series brings the river highway to life.

Watch now and stay tuned for Parts 3 and 4:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdrxHbSMrBI

://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdrxHbSMrBI

02/27/2026

Of the more than 15 million metric tons of U.S. wheat exported from Pacific Northwest elevators each year, about 4.6 million metric tons move by barge on the Columbia River and Snake River.
Transporting grain by river is one of the most efficient and sustainable methods available. Barges ease highway congestion, lower fuel use, and keep costs down for farmers while supporting rural communities across the region.

The Columbia-Snake River System is a living lifeline—powering communities, supporting farms, and keeping goods moving.A ...
02/27/2026

The Columbia-Snake River System is a living lifeline—powering communities, supporting farms, and keeping goods moving.

A recent court injunction threatens to replace expert-driven, science-based management with rigid legal mandates. That shift isn’t just procedural—it risks our region’s safety, energy security, and economic stability.

Why flexibility matters:

Expert Oversight: Engineers and scientists can adjust operations in real time to protect both salmon and sustainability.

Grid & Food Security: These dams deliver carbon-free hydropower and irrigation vital to the Northwest economy.

Safe navigation: Excessive spill and low reservoir levels jeopardize the 465 mile system and specifically the 360 mile, 14 foot deep inland channel that moves 4.7 million tons of cargo each year.

We support restoration rooted in peer-reviewed science and adaptive management—not court orders that ignore the technical realities of this river system.

Read our Press Release: https://www.pnwa.net/news/pnwa-press-releases/

Ever wonder how millions of tons of goods travel from the Pacific deep into the heart of the PNW?Check out Part 1 of the...
02/26/2026

Ever wonder how millions of tons of goods travel from the Pacific deep into the heart of the PNW?

Check out Part 1 of the new "River Highway" series by Adam the Armchair Engineer! He’s exploring the Columbia & Snake Rivers as a living, working transportation system.

Watch now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xLh3yTkJ3w

It’s time to celebrate the maritime infrastructure that powers our communities.

A river isn't just water—it's a highway.Most people never get to see the inner workings of the Columbia-Snake River navi...
02/23/2026

A river isn't just water—it's a highway.

Most people never get to see the inner workings of the Columbia-Snake River navigation system, but Adam Ratliff (the Armchair Engineer) is changing that. His new series highlights how this system supports agriculture, provides hydropower, and keeps our region moving.

We need to understand these systems to protect our future. Watch, share, and join the conversation about our maritime heritage!

Start the journey here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xLh3yTkJ3w

Part 1 is live now, with more coming over the next few weeks!

Did you know the Pacific Northwest is home to one of America’s most vital maritime highways? In the first installment of...
02/20/2026

Did you know the Pacific Northwest is home to one of America’s most vital maritime highways?

In the first installment of a new 4-part series, "Armchair Engineer" Adam Ratliff takes us deep into the engineering marvel of the Columbia and Snake River navigation system. This isn't just a scenic waterway—it’s a high-tech "River Highway" moving millions of tons of cargo and connecting inland producers to the global market.

Whether you’re an infrastructure geek or just curious about how our regional economy stays afloat, this is a must-watch.

Watch Part 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xLh3yTkJ3w

Wishing our members, partners, and friends a joyful Lunar New Year! The 2026 celebration welcomes the Year of the Horse—...
02/17/2026

Wishing our members, partners, and friends a joyful Lunar New Year! The 2026 celebration welcomes the Year of the Horse—a symbol of energy, optimism, and perseverance. Lunar New Year is a time for family gatherings, cultural traditions, and new beginnings shared around the world. May the year ahead bring good health, prosperity, and plenty of reasons to celebrate together.

Presidents Day is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the leaders who have guided America across generations. The holi...
02/16/2026

Presidents Day is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the leaders who have guided America across generations. The holiday recognizes the history behind George Washington’s Birthday and Abraham Lincoln’s Birthday while reflecting on the dedication required to serve our country. Learn more about the traditions and facts behind the day: https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/facts/the-truth-about-presidents-day/

Happy Birthday, Oregon! On February 14, 1859, Oregon became the 33rd state in the United States—a milestone worth celebr...
02/14/2026

Happy Birthday, Oregon! On February 14, 1859, Oregon became the 33rd state in the United States—a milestone worth celebrating across the Northwest. From working waterfronts and thriving ports to innovative businesses and strong communities, Oregon continues to play an important role in our regional economy and quality of life. We’re proud to live and work in a state with such rich history and a bright future ahead.

Address

1610 C Street, Suite 205
Portland, OR
98663

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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+15032348550

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