KEIZER, Ore. — For motorists traveling between Yamhill and Marion counties, there are only three options: drive to Salem or Newberg to drive across bridges over the Willamette River, or pay $3 to take the Wheatland Ferry.

Ferries, in concept, evoke a quaint and picturesque experience, reminiscent of days gone by. But the Wheatland Ferry is industrial, almost perfunctory, despite the bright blue-and-yellow paint job.

Since 1844

The ferry has been running since 1844 and is the oldest ferry service in Oregon. It can carry up to nine vehicles at a time in addition to bicycles and pedestrians.

The vessel shuttles back and forth along cables, on electric power. A one-way trip takes about two minutes.

The ferry operates every day from 5:30 a.m. until 9:45 p.m., unless it is closed due to high water or scheduled maintenance. Its only scheduled closure dates are Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Jack Brittan, one of three main ferry operators, said the ferry is averaging 700 to 900 patrons per day this summer.

Without the ferry, that much more traffic would be added to the Salem or Newberg routes, he said. That’s one of the major values the ferry offers.

“Nobody wants to be stuck on a bridge behind a combine going 8 miles an hour,” Brittan said.

Over the last five years, the ferry has carried an average of 250,182 vehicles annually, including bicycles and pedestrians.

The number fluctuates based on how many days the ferry is closed, and it is especially affected by closures during the peak season of May through July or August. Since January, the ferry has been closed a total of 30 days.

When the ferry closes, people suffer, Brittan said. A majority of the people riding the ferry are regulars who use it to get to and from work every day.

‘Frequent floater’

One so-called “frequent floater” is Mayra Raya, who has used the ferry for about 16 years to get between Woodburn and Dayton.

“It’s more economic, time-wise,” she said. “It helps me avoid traffic. And my kids love it.”

However, she said, sometimes the upgrades take longer than expected. When that happens, or when the river level rises to 15 feet, causing the ferry to close, it adds a significant amount of time and mileage to her daily commute.

Another patron, Heriberto Gonzalez, said he thinks it’s too much money to pay when other drivers can use bridges for free.

The ferry costs most cars $3, with longer or larger vehicles paying $6 to $18. Motorcyclists pay $2, bicyclists pay $1, and pedestrians ride free. So for the average commuter, it costs $6 per day to get to and from work.

Bridge vs. ferry

Gonzalez said he’d like to have a bridge there, but understands the ferry is historic. And despite his frustrations, he uses the ferry every day.

Mike Shepard, the bridge and ferry supervisor at Marion County Public Works, said even discounting the ferry’s history, a bridge couldn’t feasibly be built there.

The point of crossing is in a flood plain, so a bridge would likely flood during the rainy season.

“The ferry is a vital part of the transportation system,” Shepard said.

When accidents occur and the Salem or Newberg bridges shut down, the Wheatland Ferry is there, sturdy and efficient, just as it has been for 179 years.