Events

Paddling Across Time — A Hayes River Journey

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Hopworks Brewing
Powell Mothership Location
2944 SE Powell Blvd.
Portland, OR 97202

In conjunction with the Lower Columbia Canoe Club, WaterWatch is thrilled to present Portland adventurer Lee Sessions, who has ventured to the Far North on more than 35 canoe expeditions in pursuit of a lifelong passion for paddling and rediscovering the routes of early explorers, as he presents “Paddling Across Time,” a presentation that follows Lee and his crew as they recount their 2025 self‑supported canoe expedition down Nunavut’s remote Hayes River — a seldom traveled route north of the Arctic Circle in Inuktitut, Canda’s largest, northernmost, and newest territory.

Drawing on research and interviews with past travelers, Lee and his team explore how motivations for undertaking northern journeys have evolved over time. Their own experience — six paddlers navigating a challenging Arctic river — offers a contemporary lens on the pull of wilderness, the meaning found in shared effort, and the deep connections forged through travel in the North. The Hayes also has a special connection with famed Oregon explorer Frederick Schwatka.

Join us for this very special event at Hopworks Brewery on Powell Blvd. Wednesday, Sept. 16th. The presentation will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m.

The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere

A reading and photo travelogue with author Jesse Lance Robbins.

Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Steeplejack Brewing Co.
2400 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97232

Join WaterWatch on Tuesday, Sept. 22nd, at 6:30 p.m. at Steeplejack Brewing in Northeast Portland as we welcome Springfield-based author and WaterWatch board member Jesse Lance Robbins as he reads selections from his new book The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere: Stories in Celebration of Why We Fish and shares photos from his angling travels.

Jesse’s collection of essays, stories, and meditations moves beyond the pursuit of the perfect cast or the biggest catch to explore fly fishing as a dialogue between human and nature, solitude and connection, movement, and stillness. Each chapter is a moment suspended — sometimes triumphant, sometimes humbling, always honest.

Former WaterWatch executive director John DeVoe — newly-retired from the organization — will host the event and moderate a short discussion with Jesse and Q&A following the readings. RSVP now to join us for this free event. Copies of The Best Fly Fishing is Everywhere will be available for purchase, with all proceeds going to WaterWatch of Oregon. Great food and drinks are available from Steeplejack! More at JesseLanceRobbins.com.