Once the river is way down, go to the parks and boat launches. One day of exploring will tell you where access and wading is easier. Willamette below Dexter will drop and clear first.
It is easier to learn to cast with dry flies, but easier to catch fish with nymphs.
Get some Possie Buggers...
I mainly buy local, but for bass I often have to go online as local stores don't carry what I want. Strangely the same for fly rods, as there is very little selection in my local fly shops. I wish I could test and buy the rods I want locally. Online purchases this year: Cabelas for bass...
Try an Echo base. I just got one this year as a guest boat rod. I was impressed by how well and easily it fished. I don't think there is a better value for the money.