Our favorite places to kayak around Portland (2024)

The Oregonian/OregonLive

BEST PLACES TO KAYAK IN PORTLAND BY SAMANTHA BAKALL

There’s no better time to be on the water than during the summer in Portland. With a river running through the heart of the city and hundreds of miles of navigable rivers and mountain lakes within an hour’s drive, Portland is a kayaker’s dream. Whether you’re a beginner or have kayaked for years, we’re always looking for a new spot to explore. Here are the best places to kayak in/around Portland, as well resources for newbies hoping to get out on the water this year.

As always, make sure to follow basic safety rules. Wear a personal flotation device and choose an appropriate spot for your skill level. Find more safety rules and guidelines here.

Lizzy Acker | The Oregonian/OregonLive

COLUMBIA SLOUGH WATERSHED

A 19-mile-long channel that parallels the Columbia River with another 30 miles of secondary waterways, the Columbia Slough Watershed offers so much to see by boat. Big Four Corners -- a natural area edged by cottonwood trees that ends at Fairview Lake -- or Smith and Bybee Wetlands (see below) are two great places to start. See a map of all the launch points from Kelley Point Park to the Slough Headwaters.

columbiaslough.org/files/uploads/ColumbiaSlough_PaddlersGuide.pdf

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HENRY HAGG LAKE

A manmade lake 25 miles west of Portland, Henry Hagg Lake is a great option for boaters of all stripes (kayakers will appreciate the designated no-wake area). With 13 miles of trails, picnic area, fishing and two boat launches, the lake offers plenty to do even if you don’t come to kayak.

50250 S.W. Scoggins Valley Road, Gaston; boat ramps at C-ramp rec area, S.W. West Shore Drive, Gaston, co.washington.or.us/Support_Services/Facilities/Parks/Hagglake/index.cfm

The Oregonian/OregonLive

HOOD RIVER, OR, AND WHITE SALMON, WA

On opposite banks of the Columbia River, Hood River and White Salmon are some of the best places to kayak within an hour of Portland. Explore the actual Hood River, the Columbia, the Klikitat, the White Salmon and more. For more advanced kayakers, there are rapids in this area, too. Access the Columbia River from the Event Site, the Spit/Sandbar, Nichols Basin, and the Hook in Hood River.

Find more info, there are several kayak rental companies in both cities. The Gorge Paddling Center offers guided options for beginner and more adventurous paddlers.

Jamie Hale | The Oregonian/OregonLive

SAUVIE ISLAND

Explore the country’s largest fluvial island by boat where you can wander through hundreds of coves and inlets that weave off the Willamette River.

Sauvie Island Boat Ramp: 15475 N.W. Ferry Rd
Cove Marina: Near the Island Cove RV Park at 31421 N.W. Reeder Road

Samantha Bakall | The Oregonian/OregonLive

SCAPPOOSE BAY

A protected tidal area made up of islands, sloughs, wetlands, tide channels and more, Scappoose Bay offers another close-in kayaking spot for those hoping to see wildlife. The bay is home to dozens of birds, waterfowl, amphibians, reptiles and an annual salmon migration through some of the connecting tributaries.

57420 Old Portland Road, Warren, OR, 503-397-2888, nextadventure.net/scappoose-bay-paddling-center.html

Samantha Bakall | The Oregonian/OregonLive

SMITH AND BYBEE WETLANDS NATURAL AREA

Paddle through nearly 2,000 acres of secluded wetlands hidden among North Portland’s port terminals and warehouses. Surrounded by forests, Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area is also excellent for birdwatchers hoping to catch sight of the more than 100 species, including Great Blue Herons, Bald Eagles and Osprey, that call the area home.

5300 N. Marine Dr., kayakers should check paddling conditions the NOAA gauge at Vancouver; http://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/smith-and-bybee-wetlands-natural-area

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TUALATIN RIVER WATER TRAIL

This calm river is a perfect spot for beginner kayakers in summer, when the current is barely noticeable. Convenient for westsiders, the Tualatin River makes an easy day trip for families. The Tualatin Riverkeepers suggest these points to access this suburban water trail. See their detailed advice at tualatinriverkeepers.org/water-trail.

Stafford Road – Shipley Bridge: Stafford Road & Shadow Wood Drive, West Linn
Brown’s Ferry Park: 5855 S.W. Nyberg Lane, Tualatin
Tualatin Community Park: 8515 S.W. Tualatin Road, Tualatin
Cook Park: 17005 S.W. 92nd Ave., Tigard, OR 97224
Jurgens Park: 17255 S.W. Jurgens Ave., Tualatin
99W Bridge Canoe Launch: Just West of 11675 S.W. Hazelbrook Road, Tualatin
Metro Farmington Natural Area: River Road at Farmington Road, Hillsboro
Rood Bridge Park: 4000 S.E. Rood Bridge Road, Hillsboro

Samantha Bakall | The Oregonian/OregonLive

WILLAMETTE RIVER

Accessible from nearly a dozen docks between Oregon City and North Portland alone, the Willamette River is arguably the most approachable place to kayak in Portland. Paddle quieter waters along the eastern edge of Ross Island, cruise through downtown (watch for traffic!), get a bird’s eye view of the big ships near St. Johns, explore Sauvie Island and more.

Clackamette Park: 1955 Clackamette Drive, Oregon City
Cedaroak Boat Ramp: Nixon Avenue and Elmran Drive, West Linn
George Rogers Park: 611 S. State St., Lake Oswego
Milwaukie Riverfront Park: 11211 S.E. McLoughlin Blvd., Milwaukie
Sellwood Riverside Park: Southeast Spokane Street and Oaks Park Way
Willamette Park: 6805 S.W. Macadam Ave.
The Dock:Just south of the Hawthorne Bridge, accessible on the east side of the river
Riverplace Marina: 0315 S.W. Montgomery St.
Swan Island Boat Ramp: North Emerson Street and Basin Avenue
Cathedral Park: 8800-, 8940 N. Bradford St.
Kelley Point Park:North Lombard Street and Marine Drive

IF YOU WANT TO SPEND THE NIGHT:

Stephanie Yao Long | The Oregonian/OregonLive

CLEAR LAKE

At this bird-shaped lake near Timothy Lake, you're going to get, you guessed it, great views of Mount Hood. And as with all lakes in this area, if you're planning to camp, reserve in advance if you can or come early for the sought-after first-come, first served sites. If needed, kayak rentals can be arranged with Mt. Hood Adventure for delivery to Timothy Lake.

Accessible from Highway 26. Turn onto Forest Road 2630 (35 miles from Sandy) and continue another mile to the campground; recreation.gov/camping/clear-lake-or/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=71633

Samantha Bakall | The Oregonian/OregonLive

LOST LAKE

Another high-traffic and beautiful lake and camping area with gorgeous views of Mount Hood, Lost Lake not only is a great place to bring your kayak, it also offers kayak rentals. If you’re planning to camp, reserve your spot in advance or come early for first-come, first served sites along the lake.

9000 Lost Lake Road, Hood River, 541-386-6366, lostlakeresort.org

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TIMOTHY LAKE

Paddle around the largest lake in Mount Hood National Forest while taking in incredible views of Mount Hood. As with all lakes in this area, if you're planning to camp, reserve a spot in advance if you can or come early for the first-come, first served sites. If needed, kayak rentals can be arranged with Mt. Hood Adventure for delivery to Timothy Lake.

Access from Skyline Road off U.S. 26. Turn right on Skyline Road and head south for four miles, then turn right on FS Road 58 and follow for four miles. Turn left onto 5890 and follow for three miles; recreation.gov/camping/north-arm-timothy-lake-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=124141

Samantha Bakall | The Oregonian/OregonLive

TRILLIUM LAKE

A popular and beautiful lake and camping area in the foothills of Mount Hood, Trillium Lake is an easily accessible mountain lake with iconic views of Mount Hood. If you’re planning to kayak or canoe here, you’ll have to bring your own boat. And if you’re planning to camp, reserve your spot in advance or come early for the first-come, first-served sites.

Access from U.S. 26, one mile east of Government Camp, 503-272-3220, recreation.gov/camping/trillium/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=71614

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WANT TO LEARN BUT DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START?

If you've never kayaked before and want to learn, lots of businesses and clubs are ready to help. Some rental companies, such as Alder Creek, Portland Kayak Company and Next Adventure, offer classes at their rental facilities (ask your rental facility if they offer classes). Oregon Kayak & Canoe Cluboffers classes and clinics, too, for beginners.

AP Photo/The Bulletin, Andy Tullis

WHERE TO RENT

Troll City Boathouse: A trailer that pops up near the Cathedral Park boat ramp every weekend. Reservations highly recommended. Open through the first weekend of November. Kayak rentals start at $15.

North Edison Street and Pittsburg Avenue, 978-578-5210,trollcityboathouse.com

Next Adventure Paddle Store: A watersports enthusiast's fantasyland, outfitted with every boat, paddle, PFD, dry bag, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), kayak, floatie -- you name it -- you'll need for summer fun.

624 S.E. Seventh Ave., 503-233-0706,nextadventure.net/portland-paddle-sports-center.html

Alder Creek: A kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental company with multiple locations from as far north as Ridgefield, Washington, to as far south as Lake Oswego with several facilities in between.

Find the locations: aldercreek.com/gear-rentals

Portland Kayak Company: A kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental company with an adjacent boat ramp for river access.

6600 S.W. Macadam Ave., 503-459-4050,portlandkayak.com

Scappoose Bay Paddling Center: A kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rental company with an adjacent boat ramp for river access.

57420 Old Portland Road, Warren, 503-397-2161,nextadventure.net/scappoose-bay-paddling-center.html

eNRG Kayaking: A kayak rental company with multiple locations that offer family-friendly group paddles and more.

1701 Clackamette Drive, Oregon City, 503-772-1122,enrgkayaking.com