Top 15 Incredible Places to Kayak in Portland OR

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. 

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!

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.