Top 15 Incredible Places to Kayak in Portland OR

With so many lush green spaces, mountains, rivers, glistening city lights, and scenic beauty, I honestly think that Portland OR is one of the best cities for those want to get out and enjoy nature.

If you plan on visiting Portland and kayaking is your thing, here are the best places to kayak in and near Portland, Oregon…

Top 3 Best Places to Kayak in or near Portland
1.
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Best For Adventure
Clackamette Park & Cove
2.
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Best For Kayak Rentals
Scappoose Bay
3.
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Best For Wildlife Watching
Willamette River
Best For Adventure

Clackamette Park & Cove

Kayaking Clackamette Park

The Clackamette Park & Cove is located at the junction of the Willamette and Clackamas Rivers. This one is bound to take you on an adventure of a lifetime and is equally popular among beginners and experienced rafters and paddlers due to its varying class rapids.

From offering a tranquil paddle along the Lower Clackamas and the southern section to an exhilarating ride along the northern section of the river, cruising along the Clackamas is a great way to experience kayaking during your trip to Portland.

However, due to the river’s proximity to the area, you can expect to see more people here at any given time compared to other kayaking spots. 

Pros

Allows individuals to choose challenge level

Situated at a scenic junction of two rivers

Learning opportunities

Cons

Some safety risks for inexperienced rafters

The park has limited amenities

Nearby Attractions

Dahl beach city park

Coastal farm and ranch

Must Do Things

Engage in rafting

Simply enjoying the scenic beauty

Facilities

Fishing spots

Areas for birdwatching

Best For Kayak Rentals

Scappoose Bay

Kayaking Scappoose Bay

Have you been yearning for some peaceful time after a tough week at work? Why not enjoy the scenic beauty and magnificent wildlife at Scappoose Bay?

Scappoose Bay offers kayak rentals, much less boat traffic than other locations, and many exciting activities like ‘gunkholing.’

This kayaking spot is just a half-hour drive north of Portland. You can even kayak from the bay to the Multnomah Channel and then to the Warrior Rock Lighthouse from Sauvie Island.

However, you can paddle to the Columbia to St Helen’s Marina if you want a longer ride. Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the ride!

Pros

Availability of kayak rentals

Lower boat traffic

Kayakers can choose from different routes

Cons

Tidal changes

Limited amenities

Nearby Attractions

St. Helens Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

Must Do Things

Wildlife watching

Exploring shallow coves

Facilities

Offers kayak rentals

boat

Options for guided tours and lessons

Best For Wildlife Watching

Willamette River

Paddleboarding on the Willamette River

The Willamette River is a 185-mile trail from Eugene to Portland and is ideal for extended kayak trips.

The Willamette is the best choice for beginners, featuring beautiful parks, ferries, scenery, and wildlife. Pack your binoculars and enjoy the mesmerizing views along the way.

Although the calm waters would not pose any concern, it is always wise to stay vigilant as you navigate the river to look out for any changes in current.

Pros

Provides opportunities for wildlife observation

Willamette River allows for extended kayak trips

The trail provides access to beautiful park and rest areas

Cons

Weather dependent

Limited services in remote areas

Nearby Attractions

Portland Japanese garden

Must Do Things

Picnics at parks

Serene ferry rides

Facilities

Boat launches

Restrooms

Best For Peaceful Setting

Columbia Slough Watershed

Kayaking Columbia Slough

Home to otters, turtles, and several birds, Columbia Slough Watershed is a haven for nature. The slough is almost a 20-mile channel running parallel to the Columbian River.

Given your time, a good starting point would be Kelly Point Park, from where you could either reach the Willamette River or keep going up the slough.

If you are not sure when would be a good time to paddle, it’s recommended to save it for when the water level is running high in the springtime.

Pros

Rich biodiversity

Kayakers have flexibility to start at Kelly Point

Seasonal ideal paddling

Wildlife spotting

Cons

Variable water levels

Urban Environmental Impact

Nearby Attractions

Dutch Bros Coffee

Must Do Things

Birdwatching

Peaceful exploration of the natural habitat

Facilities

Kayak launch points at parks

Designated areas for birdwatching and wildlife

Best For Beginners

Tualatin River

Kayaking Tualatin River

Have you never tried kayaking before? Need to cool off on a hot summer day? Looking for an exciting outdoor activity to try with your friends? Well, the Tualatin River is your answer for all of the above.

Towards the end, the river meets the Willamette River, meaning that as soon as you are done kayaking, you can enjoy Willamette Park. A complete retreat!

Pros

Refreshing summer activity

The picturesque surroundings and natural landscapes

Access to Willamette Park

Cons

Seasonal Limitations

Limited facilities

Nearby Attractions

Willamette Park

Must Do Things

Enjoy kayaking

Relax or engage in outdoor activities

Facilities

Picnic areas

Willamette Park provides additional amenities

Best For Educational

Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area

Kayaking Smith and Bybee Wetlands

As unique as it sounds, Smith and Bybee is America’s largest wetland area, also hosting the largest populations of bald eagles and beavers.

Be on the lookout, April through June, sunrise to sunset; the nation’s best-kept secret shouldn’t go amiss. One thing, though, is that for all kayak spots on this list, always check the paddling conditions before heading out to avoid disappointment.

Pros

Largest wetland area in America

The wetlands offer an educational experience

The wetlands boast beautiful natural scenery

Cons

Paddling conditions

Crowded during peak times

Nearby Attractions

Oregon Metal Services

Smith lake

Must Do Things

Enjoy kayaking to witness diverse wildlife

Immerse in the serenity of the largest wetland area

Facilities

Preserving the natural habitat

Visitors can often find informational signs

Best For Camping Overnight

Trillium Lake

Trillium Lake Kayaking

Trillium Lake has an area of 63 acres, surrounded by beautiful wetlands and shorelines. It has a fishing pier and a few boat ramps, ideal for kayaking and walking along the 2-mile shoreline with stunning views of Mt. Hood.

It is also famous for its campground in the conifer forest with about 60 sites.

If, for some reason, you are a bit overwhelmed by kayak, you can opt for a peaceful hike down the lakeside. Pro-Tip: if you avoid busier hours, try leaving early in the morning on any mid-week day.

Pros

Specific area for kayaking

Overnight Camping Ground

Stunning sceney

Cons

Parking can be limited during peak times.

Nearby Attractions

Mt hood

Must Do Things

Sledging (in winter)

Snowshoeing (in winter)

Kayaking

Facilities

Restrooms

Picnic tables

Best For Picnics

Sparks Lake

Kayaking on Sparks Lake

A nature wonder formed thousands of years ago from Mount Bachelor’s volcanic eruptions; Sparks Lake is an exhilarating place to go canoeing and kayaking.

Craggy terrain with a view of the Deschutes National Forest and the availability of campsites on the shore for overnight trips make this lake stand out.

Shade-giving pine trees, sparkly blue lagoon water, and bumpy cliffs make this place even more unique. A depth of only 10 feet means that children and beginners can enjoy this wild beauty.

It is a perfect family venture spent out in nature, unwinding from city life’s stress and chaos. It won’t get better than this.

Pros

The lake is perfect for canoeing and kayaking

Camping opportunities

Soothing and peaceful setting

Lovely picniciking Area

Cons

Remote area

Weather dependent

Nearby Attractions

Mount Bachelor

Todd Lake

Must Do Things

Camping along the shore

Capturing the stunning scenery

Facilities

Camping areas along the shore

Best For Stunning Views

Henry Hagg Lake

Kayaking Henry Hagg Lake

Henry Hagg Lake is a convenient, no-wake, artificial lake for novice anglers, paddlers, and families with small children. It is located in northwest Oregon, with an area of about 4.67 km2.

It has a 15-mile trail for biking and a 15-mile-long shoreline.

En route, this lake offers wildlife viewing and year-round fishing. Private picnic points, boat ramps, and fishing docks are also an attraction to this place.

Pros

Offers a diverse range of recreational activities

Fishing opportunities

Offers beautiful views

Cons

Entrance fees to access the lake

Nearby Attractions

Scoggins Valley Park

Must Do Things

Campground at Gales Creek

Hiking

Fishing

Facilities

Private picnic areas

Boat ramps for easy access to the lake

Best For Tourists

Hood River

Kayaking Hood River

Hood River is located at the junction of Hood River and Columbia River. It has many lakes and rivers surrounding it. It is well-reputed for kiteboarding and kayaking. The best times to visit it are summer and early fall.

It has a George paddling center, Hood River SUP, and kayak, facilitating a great day at the river.

Whether you want a thrilling kayaking experience in the riveting river currents or a peaceful paddle in the calm water surrounding the river, you won’t be let down.

Pros

Water sports hub

Versatile paddling experiences

Cons

Weather conditions

Nearby Attractions

Columbia River Gorge

Must Do Things

Enjoy the ideal conditions offered during summers

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable time on the water

Facilities

Facilities like the George Paddling Center

Offering kayak rentals and services

Best For Rapids

White Salmon River

Kayaking White Salmon River

White Salmon River falls from the glacier of Mt. Adams and is spread over 44 miles. White Salmon River’s water is crys, often rapid, id waters and is best for experienced rafters and kayakers.

The gradient is 75 fpm, and the difficulty is Class III–IV (depending on flow). 

The experience is raw and close to nature as a forest surrounds it; there’s no internet connection, and the shoreline and the woods are inaccessible.

It is renowned for Husum Falls, the largest waterfall commercially run in the United States, an excellent test for experienced kayakers. 

Pros

Known for Husum Falls

Crystal clear waters

Thrilling white water rapids

Cons

Not suitable for beginners

Weather dependent

Nearby Attractions

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area

Must Do Things

Enjoy thrilling whitewater rafting and kayaking

Facilities

Wide range of biodiversity

Best For Long Trips

Sauvie Island

Kayaking Sauvie Island

Sauvie Island is spread over 11,643 acres and is best for kayaking, wildlife viewing, and hiking. If you want a beautiful mountain view, remember to stop by Sturgeon Lake.

It has so many places to explore, like the most miniature lighthouse, Warrior Rock Lighthouse, and Fort William. It is approximately a 50-mile trip to circumnavigate Sauvie Island by kayak. 

Pros

Sauvie Island features interesting historical sites

The island caters to various outdoor activities

Kayaking can go on and on for miles

Nearby Attractions

Scappoose Bay

Must Do Things

Hiking and Nature Walks

Cycling

Facilities

Public Restrooms

Restrooms

Best For Bird Watching

Ross Island

Kayaking Ross Island

Ross Island is a magical place to view the stunning skyline of Portland. There is no better place to view the city lights and skyline than Ross Island.

This privately owned refuge for canoers and kayakers is right in downtown Portland’s heart. Housing over 100 species of birds and sporting a large cove, this 5-mile loop should be on everyone’s list.

Pros

The island features a large cove

Home to over 100 species of birds

Provide scenic views of Portland

Cons

The island's private status may restrict certain activities

Ross Island is privately owned

limiting public access and use

Nearby Attractions

Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge

Must Do Things

Explore the island by canoe or kayak

Facilities

Clean atmosphere due to greenery

Best For History Geeks

Fort Stevens

Kayaking at Fort Stevens

Fort Stevens is a popular military-turned-state park in Oregon spread over 4,200 acres.

This kayaking hotspot also has other water activities like swimming to cater to everyone’s choice.

One of its major attractions is the historic fort and shipwreck, exploring various habitats and trails for biking and hiking, which cover 9 and 6 miles, respectively.

Pros

Fort Stevens offers the opportunity to explore a historic fort

Diverse outdoor activities

Water adventures

Cons

Weather conditions

Limited amenities

Nearby Attractions

Swash Lake Bridge

Must Do Things

Swimming

Hiking

Biking

Facilities

Restrooms and shower

Campground

Picnic areas

Best For Nature Lovers

Clear Lake

Clear Lake - a sparkling gem in the Willamette National Forest

Clear Lake is a small lake in the Cascades that covers an area of about 142 acres and has an average depth of 175 ft. As its name implies, it is well-known for its clear cold water.

The place offers plenty of room for adventure, with trails nearby for hiking and wildlife viewing. This place has straightforward navigation with restrooms and places to dine around.

Pros

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes

Adventures activities

Cool and clear waters

Cons

Limited dining options

Weather conditions could be temperamental

Nearby Attractions

Fish Lake:

Must Do Things

Wildlife viewing

Hiking

Facilities

Parking

Picnic areas

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