One of the events I’m most looking forward to this summer? The Willamette Riverkeeper’s 5th Annual 2024 Pinot Paddle Event. Learn about this two-day recreational kayaking trip in my great state of Oregon…

kayaks on rocky beach willamette river in summer Oregon day — *All 2023 Pinot Paddle photo credits: Willamette Riverkeeper*

About Willamette Riverkeepers

For nearly three decades, 501(c)3 Oregon nonprofit Willamette Riverkeeper has proudly served as the eyes, ears, and voice of the Willamette River. Their mission is to advocate, educate, and investigate to hold the line for river health.

Pinot Paddle Event Information

Paddle through Oregon’s largest wine region, The Willamette Valley, where pinot grapes thrive in our perfect balance of temperature, humidity, soil, and water, on this fun, friendly, and popular two-day event.

The celebrated Willamette River Trail is a beautiful stretch of nature that I’ve kayaked countless times. This unique kayaking event offers amazing river recreation, great company, and the opportunity to enjoy world-class pinot noir wines.

aerial view of kayakers on rocky beach willamette river trail event

Event Highlights for 2024

This is the 5th Annual Pinot Paddle event, and here are some highlights for this year:

Two days of scenic paddling and gear transport
Wine tasting from local vineyards featuring Pinots and other varieties
A conversation with the wine makers
Delicious catered meals from McMinnville local caterer, Biscuit & Pickles, paired with locally-produced wines from throughout the Willamette Valley
Spacious camping along a quiet back channel (on an island!)
Education about the State of the River and how to support the work Willamette Riverkeeper is doing to improve the river's health

Event Dates

The 2024 Pinot Paddle event will take place on Saturday & Sunday, July 13-14th, 2024.

Event starts at 8am and will end at 5pm the following day.

Location

The kayaking launch point is at Marine Wallace Park in Salem. The paddling route will be on the Willamette River Trail, and will end on in St Paul, Oregon. The Camp out overnight will be on Grand Island (also in Oregon).

kayaker campsite Oregon conservation event for willamette river Oregon sunset

Kayaking Distance

28 total river miles over the two-day event. The first day will cover 12 miles.

Kayaker Skill Level

Safety note: Fluctuating volume, upwellings, strong eddies, and strainers can create challenging navigation issues. It is strongly recommended that participants understand basic paddling skills and some experience traveling on moving water.

Event cost

$479 per guest. This includes tasting fees, dinner wines, catered dinner Saturday, catered Sunday breakfast and lunch to go, ACA event insurance, water trail river guide, safety boaters, live music, and the camping gear + shuttle transport. (For what it’s worth, this is the full amount I paid to join as well. I’m not attending on a press badge).

REGISTER FOR PINOT PADDLE 2024

2024 Event Partners

Yamhill Valley Vineyards, Lingua Franca, Gonzales Wine Company, Cramoisi Vineyard, Illahe, Winter’s Hill.

event attendees pinot paddle event eating dinner outsi

More Things to Know

Kayak rentals: A limited number of rental kayaks are available. You must register for one when you sign up.
You’ll be camping overnight. You can view a recommended packing list here.
The event is rain or shine. But July is historically the most ideal time to paddle this beautiful area.
More important information on the 2024 Pinot Paddle Event. Link over to learn more about food, parking, cancellation rules, and all that good stuff.

REGISTER HERE

NOTE: Flatwater Kayak Club has no affiliation with this event (it’s planned and operated by Willamette Riverkeeper), but I’m attending as a paying guest who loves kayaking the Willamette River, camping experiences, and enjoys a nice glass (or two, or three) of Pinot Noir. Come kayak with me!

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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