Willamette River Toxic Algae Crisis | Portland News

Portland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 29, 2026 · 1m

Portland’s Willamette River is facing its worst toxic algae bloom in years, forcing cancellations of popular summer events and urging everyone to stay out of the water due to dangerous toxins that threaten humans and pets. The Human Access Project warns this isn’t a new issue — blooms have hit four of the last five summers — and blames warming waters and low snowpack. Despite early warnings and a failed silt screen attempt, officials are calling for urgent state and city action to create a dedicated agency, funding, and a clear timeline to fix the river before it becomes a recurring crisis…