3 stunning paddling routes on the Willamette River in Portland

Take a scenic overview of three prime paddling routes for stunning recreational kayaking on Portland, Oregon's iconic Willamette River: Ross Island, Hog Island, and Oregon City.

Last night, a group of us went out on a boat ride, and it was so fun to cruise downriver, scout new paddling experiences, and recognize three unique kayaking routes that we’ve loved over the years on this beautiful Portland, Oregon river.

In this article, we’ll highlight three great spots to paddle, with tips on where to park your car and launch your boat, the nearest spot to rent a single or tandem kayak in Portland (if you need one), and the best times of year to hit the water.

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1. Around Ross Island from Willamette Park

If the allure of glistening city lights, views of iconic Portland bridges, and the novelty of floating homes beckons you, the Willamette River is where you should point your kayak.

For those familiar with a paddle, taking off from Willamette Park, circumventing Ross Island by kayak, and returning to the park is a popular and really fun route.

Note of caution, before we jump in: the river’s moods vary with weather and water levels. At times, challenging boat wakes or waves under the Oregon sky might demand more seasoned hands on the paddle on this particular journey. This kayaking route is best for intermediate kayakers.

On a recent journey paddling this river route, we rented a kayak from the Portland Kayak Company. They also loaned us a kayak cart, which is really handy for transporting your kayak to the water’s edge, and necessary in this case because the rental shop is on the road and not inside Willamette Park.

The paddling agenda for this downtown Portland kayaking voyage? Cross the river towards the floating homes (ahem, incredibly beautiful million-dollar-plus floating homes, including the famed “Wave” house from Portlandia), meandering on the flat water around Ross Island, and making a U-turn just shy of downtown PDX's first bridge.

This 6-mile journey (as gauged by the rental shop) spans roughly 2 hours, considering leisurely breaks here and there. In total, it took us an hour and forty minutes, and we returned the kayak just in time for the two-hour rental window ending.

2. Hog Island Loop in Lake Oswego

Flatwater kayaking fans, a serene paddling experience awaits you just a stone's throw from downtown Rose City – kayaking around Hog Island.

It’s a relaxing, beautiful 2.5-mile round trip, guiding you around a unique volcanic island on a mostly tranquil stretch of the Willamette River. Plus, conveniently located at George Rogers Park in Lake Oswego, you get free parking and available restrooms.

After parking, there’s a welcoming pebbly waterfront to launch your kayak boat. If you’re in need of one, the Alder Creek rental shop right at the park provides season-dependent kayak rentals (a 2-hour single kayak adventure comes at a pretty reasonable price of $35). For inquiries or bookings, they're reachable at 541-705-0283, or you can reserve your kayak online.

While my personal choice for this trip was a folding Oru Inlet kayak, I interacted with Alder Creek staff for a route recommendation, and they were very friendly and knowledgeable. We’ve also rented kayaks from their other shop location, just across the border in Washington state.

Setting off from George Rogers Park beach, a paddle to the right brings the orange-red flags marking Hog Island into sight (it’s locally known as Oak Island too). A handy tip for fellow kayakers: our counter-clockwise travel around Hog Island made those flags visible to our left (port side).

The journey's duration is about 2-2.5 hours, influenced by individual paddling pace, the river’s water conditions, and the day's weather. And while the experience is mostly calm water, occasional boats will bring about waves to navigate.

A tip for kayakers local or visiting Portland, Oregon: This route is a beautiful place to paddle to enjoy the scenic foliage, and Hog Island is a treasure trove for birdwatchers. The Pacific Northwest bird species, especially the stately bald eagles, are a common sight. The highlight of our trip was the majestic presence of the Great Blue Heron - an emblematic waterbird of Oregon. With the resurgence of beaver populations, these herons, as stated by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife, have flourished and are now among Oregon's most widespread waterbirds.

In summary, if a calming kayak experience near Portland, Oregon resonates with you, embark on this journey from George Rogers Park, around the tranquil Hog Island, and back to the park's serene waterfront.

3. The base of Willamette Falls, Oregon City

A few years ago, on a beautiful sunny spring afternoon, I paddling the incredible Willamette route from Oregon City to the base of the iconic Willamette Falls. The waters, while not entirely flat, offered an exhilarating kayaking experience. It's a location best suited for intermediate kayakers due to occasional boats, waves, and currents to navigate. For this, a sit-on-top kayak might be the preferred choice for a boat, granting a more secure and balanced ride.

The majestic waters of this Pacific Northwest attraction are a true window into nature's marvels. You can observe hunting Oregon sea lions—both the California and Steller variety— during salmon season, and witness the raw beautiful of Oregon with incredible views of the cascading Willamette Falls.

And a pro tip: for those unfamiliar with the waters or looking for a guided experience, eNRG Kayaking offers both kayak rentals and expert-led tours. Located conveniently in Oregon City, eNRG Kayaking provides a perfect starting point for your Willamette Falls adventure. Their seasoned instructors ensure not only a safe journey but also offer insights about the area's rich history and natural wonders.

Opting for a guided tour can be an enriching experience, particularly for first-timers or those keen on gaining a deeper appreciation of the region. Plus, with their range of kayaks available for rent, both novices and seasoned paddlers can find the perfect vessel for their journey. (We’ve always had wonderful experiences with eNRG kayaking).

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About Flatwater Kayak Club

Flatwater Kayak Club is a leading woman-owned online platform dedicated to supporting beginner and intermediate kayakers in the Pacific Northwest. Our company founder, a former writer for The National Geographic Channel and a current ACA member, guides our mission with her passion for kayaking, nature, and storytelling.

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