Picture this: you're in the heart of the breathtaking Columbia River Gorge, the sun is dipping below the horizon, and you're on the water, soaking in the beautiful sunset from a tandem kayak with someone you cherish.

Interested in learning about a wonderful guided kayaking tour experience near Hood River in the Gorge? Below, we’ll share our experience last night on a sunset tour with one of the most incredible scenery backdrops in the Pacific Northwest…

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Our sunset kayak tour experience

We met our kayaking guide from Hood River SUP & Kayak at a spot near the Wind River, right off the Gorge (an easy 1-hour drive on the Washington or Oregon side from Portland). There was ample parking (and a port-a-potty for the record) at this Washington-side park, with an absolutely spectacular view of the river.

We’d requested a tandem kayak for my mom and me, but single kayaks are also available for this tour. If you want a tandem, you’ll need to request it when booking the tour.

It was an easy launch into the water from an incline ramp (no steps). In no time, we were off paddling on the calm waters with the breathtaking view of the Columbia River Gorge.

This is really a magical experience for both novice and seasoned kayaker, offering a bucket list Washington state flatwater paddling route. You’ll get to connect with nature, engage with the diverse aquatic ecosystem unique to this area, and revel in the spectacle of the evening sky while gliding through tranquil, flat water.

Guided by a seasoned professional, the tour also ensures a safe and memorable journey as well for those who are still practicing their skills or who want to learn a little extra information about this unique paddling route.

I personally love guided kayak tours – they present a fantastic chance to improve your paddling skills with an expert, try out a different boat (I own a single kayak, not a double), and gain insider knowledge about an area's local flora and fauna. We also learned about some of the history of Wind River and the tribal nations that call this area in Washington home.

Wind River wildlife

Paddling through the Columbia River Gorge on a sunset tour, comfortable in a tandem kayak, is an experience worth every paddle stroke. We glided through the serene waters of a protected cove, paddling through clear waters that allow you to see pebbles lining the riverbed and aquatic species.

While we spotted a couple of fish on our tour, we heard about the amazing seasonal Spring and Fall salmon runs that occur on the Wind River.

Shout out to our amazing kayak guide, Lynn!

There are many beautiful bird species that frequent this area as well. We spotted many osprey, turkey vultures, Canadian geese, heron, and several duck species. On this kayak tour, you also have the chance to see bald eagles, river otters, and – if you’re super lucky – a black bear or American beaver, two of our favorite Pacific Northwest animals that you can observe from a kayak.

This 2-hour tour included a paddle upstream, leading to a small beach – a perfect spot to kick back, relax, and perhaps even take a quick swim in the refreshing water.

Our sunset tour wrapped up with a leisurely float down Wind River and back to the Columbia, all while enjoying a panoramic view of the mountainous Gorge and the spectacular sunset, river, and mountain views. It was one of those sacred experiences that reminds you why conserving our rivers is so crucial.

Need more of a river conservation 101? We dive into what river conservation is, why rivers are important, which rivers are endangered in the United States, and specific action steps for kayakers to take to help save our rivers in this top-viewed blog post.

One more thing – don't miss the chance to share this unique Pacific Northwest paddling tour with someone you cherish. I had the pleasure of sharing this tandem kayaking experience with my 79-year-old mother. She's quite the adventurer, and we love kayaking together – we’ve created so many treasured memories on the water.

And as a passionate recreational paddler, it’s tours like these that reinvigorate my love for kayaking and appreciation for how connected we all are. Kayaking is a fun sport, but for me, it’s also about immersing ourselves in the natural world, appreciating its beauty, and taking action to conserve our environment for future generations.

[READ MORE guided kayak tour experiences: Kayak through historic Ballard Locks in Seattle]

Interested in more epic kayaking experiences in the Columbia River Gorge? Check out our article on kayaking at the Hook in Hood River, Oregon, where you can launch your own kayak or rent at a near-water local rental shop.

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.