perfect spots for kayaking in Oregon

6 Best Flatwater Kayaking Spots in Oregon

Are you planning a family or friends vacation, and you do not have an idea of the best destination to pick? The USA is known to have perfect outdoor destination sites for all your outdoor activities. You do not have to worry anymore about where to spend your summer vacations. You will be perplexed by the beauty of Oregon. The beautiful coast, volcanic mountains, clear lakes, and a stretching desert offer the perfect spot for kayaking, cycling, and windsurfing. Other than that, you will get to enjoy some of the best foods and craft beer.

Oregon is the perfect spot if you are new to kayaking and looking for perfect flat water spots.  We want to ensure that you experience the best in Oregon. Below are some of the best flatwater kayaking spots.

  1. Sauvie Island
  2. Upper Klamath Canoe Trail
  3. Waldo Lake
  4. Beaver Creek
  5. Willamette River at Portland
  6. Hood River & White Salmon, WA

Sauvie Island

The beauty of this island is one to reckon with. On Sauvie Island, you can choose to go to Lake Sturgeon or Gilbert Rives. Here you can enjoy all-day paddling with your friend or spouse. It would be best you bring along a tandem kayak or sail close to your friends. There is no better way to enjoy a paddling experience than while chatting with a friend. You can also learn tricks to better kayaking and explore more on your ability to kayak. Without the forceful waves, you will have the courage required to try new stunts.

At Sauvie Island, you can also go to Cunningham Slough through Scappoose Bay. Since you cannot head there by land, you will be required to paddle all through. After a day of paddling and enjoying, you can rent a room near the Scappoose Bay Paddle Centre. If you are a fan of animals and birds, this is a great bird-watching site. You will find different varieties of Herons and Eagles. The best time to visit this place is between April and July; otherwise, you will not enjoy paddling during the other months since the water levels are not deep enough. On this Island, you can also go skiing, swimming or choose to enjoy time at the beach.

Upper Klamath Canoe Trail

As the name suggests, this spot is a perfect canoe trail. If you are looking for adventure, then this is the place to be. The trail of waterways will leave you enjoying the kayaking trip. You also get to enjoy the view of different animals as you paddle. When paddling in this region, carry your camera and capture the beautiful trails. There is also a beautiful view of flowers in bloom, so if you are a lover of colours, trust me, this is the spot for you. The colourful trail will leave you longing for the next vacation or visit. You can also choose to go canoeing, kayak fishing or motor boating here.

Waldo Lake

Waldo is rated among the best paddling destinations in the world. For that fact, this is a must-go place. Whether you are an expert or beginner, this is the perfect kayaking destination for you. It is located in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon. It is the second-largest non-alkali lake in Oregon, with just under 10 square miles of water surface and 420 feet. While in the quiet and serene waters, you’ll have a view of the beautiful green and blue surroundings. You can paddle as long as you wish. Tag a friend along for an enjoyable experience. After a day of kayaking, you can rent a room in the woods or around the lake. In these rentals, you get to enjoy the best amenities at a reasonable price.

Beaver Creek

This spot is located  10 miles south of Newport. Freshwater wetlands and Coastal lands surround Beaver Creek. So, if you are looking for the perfect paddling spot, this is the place for you. It does not matter whether you are a beginner or an expert. As a beginner, you can paddle up and downriver and learn a few tricks in paddling. Along the way, you will enjoy the beautiful view and come across animals like elk and otters. This spot is also very quiet, and it can be a perfect spot for picnics and romantic strolls. Next, you can proceed to Ona beach that is at the mouth of Beaver Creek.  The beauty of this beach is the white sand.

Willamette River At Portland

Willamette is a beautiful kayaking destination. If you are looking to explore kayaking in a new location or looking for a new challenge, this is the location. The place is always bustling with people, and the river is filled with different activities. You will come across marine cranes, grain terminals, and yachts. However, this kayaking destination is perfect for experts. If you just started kayaking or trying to learn, look for a different destination. To ensure you have the best experience, you can plan your visit during the Rose Festival, and you will get to experience and see navy ships and the famous dragon boat races.

Read More: Best Sit On Top Kayak For Beginners In 2021 | Affordable & Durable

Hood River and White Salmon, WA

This spot is located on the opposite bank of the Columbia River. If you are an experienced kayaker and looking for a challenge or test of your prowess, this is an excellent spot. The river contains rapids, and For this reason, experienced kayakers will have more fun. From Hood River and White Salmon, you can access the Columbian River from the Event Site, The Soit/Sand bar, Nichols Basin, and the Hook in Hood River.

After a day of paddling, you can choose to rest. The rentals are perfect for all. Whether you are looking for a condo, one room, or a family rental house, be sure you will get one at a reasonable price.

Final Thoughts

The thought of having a getaway or vacation sounds amazing. But, let’s face it, planning the whole vacation is an exhausting ordeal. First, you need to plan your stay, activities, and means of transport. Then, after planning, you need to estimate the price. A fun vacay is never cheap. So, if you are planning the next vacay and you are wondering what destination to pick, trust me, Oregon will not disappoint. This is a place you are assured of making memories and have the best time as a family. You will also get to enjoy an amazing time kayaking experience. 

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