Swim (olympic: 1.5km, sprint: 750m)
The swim is in the Willamette River, which courses through Portland from south to north. Swimmers start and finish at the north breakwater dock at RiverPlace Marina, just south of the Hawthorne Bridge. Dragon boats, kayakers, and the Coast Guard provide support and directional guidance.

The average late-August water temperature for the past five years has been 69.4°F, according to USGS. In 2009, the water temperature was 70°F.

 
Bike (olympic: 40km, sprint: 26km)
The bike course covers 8.2 miles on each loop. Olympic-distance athletes complete 3 loops, and sprint athletes complete 2 loops. The course includes downtown stretches, forested areas with views of the city, and a tunnel. Much of the course is closed to traffic, and a "panic mechanic" provides raceday support.
 
Run (olympic: 10km, sprint: 5km)
The run follows much of the river shoreline as it courses through downtown. Starting from the transition area just south of the Hawthorne Bridge, runners cross the Hawthorne Bridge and follow the Eastbank Esplanade north. After crossing the Steel Bridge, runners proceed south through Waterfront Park before finishing on the grassy expanse next to the river. Olympic-distance athletes complete 2 loops, and sprint athletes complete 1 loop.