About

What is Little Float?

Little Float Milwaukie is a unique summer event that brings our community together to celebrate the Willamette River, enjoy the outdoors, and experience Downtown Milwaukie in a whole new way.

Hosted by the nonprofit Downtown Alliance of Milwaukie (DAM), Little Float takes place each year during the first weekend of August at Milwaukie Bay Park. As the first water-based community event of its kind in Milwaukie, Little Float encourages residents and visitors alike to gather, connect, and enjoy one of our city's greatest natural assets—the Willamette River.

The adventure begins at Milwaukie Bay Park, where participants can inflate their floaties at our Inflation Station before boarding a shuttle boat at the boat ramp. The boat transports participants to Elk Rock Island, where the float begins. From there, participants enjoy a leisurely 0.4-mile float back to Milwaukie Bay Park.

But the fun doesn't stop at the water's edge. Throughout the day, the park comes alive with live music, food vendors, beverages, community activities, and plenty of opportunities to relax and connect with neighbors.

Whether you're floating, listening to music, enjoying local food, or simply soaking up the summer atmosphere, Little Float is a celebration of community, recreation, and everything that makes Milwaukie special.

Our Purpose

Little Float supports DAM's mission to foster growth, revitalization, and a strong sense of community in Downtown Milwaukie. By creating a fun, accessible event centered around our waterfront, we hope to bring people together, encourage exploration of downtown, and create a new summer tradition for generations to come.

The Float Path

The Little Float experience consists of two simple steps. Participants begin at the dock in Milwaukie Bay Park, where volunteers will help guide them onto a pontoon boat with their floatation device and life jacket. The boat shuttle (or "boat tow") will transport participants to Elk Rock Island.

Once at Elk Rock Island, participants will disembark with their float and life jacket and begin their independent float back to Milwaukie Bay Park at their own pace.

For added safety, a rope line will extend from Elk Rock Island to Milwaukie Bay Park. This line helps separate boat traffic from float traffic and provides floaters with something to hold onto if they need a rest or additional support during their journey.

Throughout the event, trained volunteers and safety personnel will be stationed both on the water and along the shoreline to assist participants, provide guidance, and help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Distance: Approximately 0.4 mi
Average Float Time: 20 - 30 minutes, depending on river conditions and individual pace.