Paddle the Willamette River for a different perspective on the city of Portland, circling Ross Island and kayaking past a blue heron rookery at Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. This is a guided tour suitable for novice and experienced kayakers. The two-and-a-half to three-hour trip is offered daily at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., or you can take the Sunset or Full Moon tour. Reservations are required.
Portland Kayak Company
6600 Southwest Macadam Avenue
Portland, OR 97239
503-459-4050
portlandrivercompany.com
This is a whitewater kayak trip for paddlers with some experience who want to improve their skills. The four-day trip starts in Warm Springs and ends in Maupin on the Lower Deschutes River, with Class 3 rapids as well as flatwater stretches. Paddlers will work on rolling, bracing, surfing and reading water along the way. Bring your own boat and gear, or rent from Tumalo Creek Kayak.
Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe
805 SW Industrial Way, Suite 6
Bend, OR 97702
541-317-9407
tumalocreek.com
The Chinook Landing Tour is a full-day trip requiring introductory level experience. The downstream paddle starts at Chinook Landing on the Columbia River and ends at Jantzen Beach in Portland. All gear is provided, or you can bring your own. This trip is 10 miles long, following the route that Lewis and Clark took. Coaching on basic strokes, rescues, towing and navigation is provided. The pace of the paddle is based on the skill level of the group.
Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe
250 NE Tomahawk Island Drive
Portland, OR 97217
888-571-4545
aldercreek.com
Paddle Oregon is an annual kayak and canoe adventure trip that benefits Willamette Riverkeeper's work to protect and restore this river. In 2010, the trip will follow a route from Marshall Island Access near Eugene to Willamette Mission State Park near Salem for a total of 96 river miles. Specific paddling skills and equipment are required to join this trip, and participants are encouraged to practice paddling 10 to 20 miles per day prior to the paddle. Paddlers camp together and learn about river issues and ecology.
Willamette Riverkeeper
1515 SE Water Ave., #102
Portland, OR 97214
503-223-6418
willamette-riverkeeper.org
503-223-6418.
Two-hour guided kayak tours are offered at South Beach State Park on Oregon's central coast. The tours launch from Ona Beach, eight miles south of Newport, and explore the Beaver Creek area. No experience is necessary to participate in this trip, and the minimum age for participation is 6 years old. South Beach State Park supplies the kayaks, paddles and life jackets for the tour. Make reservations by calling the hospitality center at 541-867-6590.
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department
State Parks
725 Summer Street NE, Suite C
Salem, OR 97301
800-551-6949
oregonstateparks.org
