Smile Boat Parade FAQs
Whether steering a motorized vessel or propelling a human-powered craft, even watching from shore, everyone is welcome to participate in the Smile Boat Parade on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
Register to parade: https://bit.ly/SmileParade
1. When does everything happen?
Smile Boat Parade
Saturday, August 23
Parade starts at 11:00 AM*
*We will be parading rain or shine
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM Coffee & pastries at Check-In dock: Gary's Dock, 1611 NE Marine Drive, 600 feet east of the PYC breakwater — look for the streamers!
10:30 AM Line Up
Motor Boats line up east of the PYC Break wall
Paddle Boats line up west of the PYC Break wall, inside the pile dike
11:30 AM Parade start is the Portland Yacht Club break wall
12:30 PM Parade finish is just before the railroad bridge at the west end of Hayden Island Floating Homes. Look for the adorable floating shanty with balloons and festive decorations.
1:00 PM Parade After Party at the Beach
2. What is the Parade Route?
Register to parade: https://bit.ly/SmileParade
1. When does everything happen?
Smile Boat Parade
Saturday, August 23
Parade starts at 11:00 AM*
*We will be parading rain or shine
SCHEDULE
9:00 AM Coffee & pastries at Check-In dock: Gary's Dock, 1611 NE Marine Drive, 600 feet east of the PYC breakwater — look for the streamers!
10:30 AM Line Up
Motor Boats line up east of the PYC Break wall
Paddle Boats line up west of the PYC Break wall, inside the pile dike
11:30 AM Parade start is the Portland Yacht Club break wall
12:30 PM Parade finish is just before the railroad bridge at the west end of Hayden Island Floating Homes. Look for the adorable floating shanty with balloons and festive decorations.
1:00 PM Parade After Party at the Beach
2. What is the Parade Route?
Check In Gary's Dock, 1611 NE Marine Drive, 600 feet east of the PYC breakwater, 7 houses upriver) Look for the streamers!
Parade volunteers will check your name from the registration list
(if not registered, they will hand you a registration form with a waiver to sign)
Pick up your complimentary Smile Boat Parade swag bag
Coffee from 909 Cafe and La Rose Patisserie cookies will be shared
You don't have to check in at Gary's Dock, but there will be a commemorative SWAG bag, coffee and pastries for all who do.
Start Smile Boat Parade starts at the east end of Hayden Island (just east of the Portland Yacht Club), and cruises downriver following a smiling curved path through the picturesque Columbia River North Portland Harbor, spanning two river miles.
Parading: Stay behind section leaders at all times, single file when possible
Section 1 - Power boats (first in line)
Section 2 - Sailboats (Parade end here for those unable to fit under the I-5 Bridge)
Section 3 - Non-motorized crafts (canoes, kayaks & paddle-boards) - 2 boats side by side
Finish The Parade ends at the railroad bridge, just downriver from Jantzen Beach Marina.
3. Is there a theme? Are there awards?
This year the theme is Tropical Cruise. Paraders will decorate their boats and themselves with flowers, palms, coconuts, umbrellas and festive decorations from the tropics.
Registered Parade participants will be awarded for theme decor and spirit in 3 categories; motor, sail and paddle.
Judges will be located at the Island Cafe, 250 NE Tomahawk Island Dr.
4. Is it safe?
Smile Boat Parade participants practice all Oregon boater safety rules and regulations. We keep a safe distance from other boats in a parade line down the middle of the North Portland Harbor Channel. Motor boats stay in single file line and non-motorized craft travel side by side.
SAFETY BOATS* Look for the Safety Boats that have a white banner, Safety Boat, on the sides of their boats. If you need assistance, flag them down.
Communication will be on marine radio channel 72. Safety Boat cell numbers to be provided on Parade day.
* Safety Boats become Shuttle Boats at Parade end and are available to tow paddlers back to the After Party at the East end Beach.
Note on registration if you would like to arrange a tow in advance.
Communication will be on marine radio channel 72. Safety Boat cell numbers to be provided on Parade day.
* Safety Boats become Shuttle Boats at Parade end and are available to tow paddlers back to the After Party at the East end Beach.
Note on registration if you would like to arrange a tow in advance.
5. I want to register and be in the parade, where should I put in my boats?
Broughton Beach, 4141 NE Marine Dr.
Alder Creek Kayaks, 200 NE Tomahawk Island Dr.
6. If I can't be in the parade, where should I watch it?
Watch this floating spectacle at terrific businesses along North Waterfront:
- Watch Party at Courtyard by Marriott North Portland, 1231 N. Anchor Way
- Island Cafe on Tomahawk Island, 250 NE Tomahawk Island Dr.
- From the I-5 Bridge pedestrian sidewalk
- From the bike path in North Portland (North side of Expo Center, 2060 N. Marine Dr.)
7. What about the After Parade Beach party?
Location: East end, tip of Tomahawk Island (accessible only by boat)
All parade participants are invited.
Safety Boats will tow paddlers back to the After Party at the East end Beach.
Refreshing cold NA beverages will be available.
Porta-pottie available on a barge near the beach.
BYOB: Bring your own blanket, chair, beach towel, picnic, hat, sunscreen — everything you would want for a day at the beach!
SWIM! Columbia River temp is approximately 72
8. Who supports the Smile Boat Parade?
Waterfront Organizations of Oregon
The Deck
Sabor Del Río Café
Island Cafe
Axios Marine
Columbia River Yacht Association
Urban Flood Safety Water Quality District
Northwest Boat Center
Floor & Décor
Columbia Crossings
Sexton’s Chandlery
Schooner Creek Boat Works
Bridgeton Neighborhood Association
Hayden Island Neighborhood Network
La Rose Patisserie
909 Café
