The Hook kayaking experience in Hood River, Oregon
Ask any flatwater kayaker about venturing out on the Columbia River, and you might hear a wise cautionary tale. But a little gem of a destination called “The Hook,” located on the Hood River, Oregon waterfront, provides a mostly-sheltered flatwater kayaking and SUP experience, unforgettable mountain and river views, Wells Island, and clearer, calmer water than some other launch points in the Gorge.
Come see why this paddling route deserves a spot on your PNW flatwater kayaking bucket list.
Amazing Columbia River Gorge kayaking views in Hood River
The Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area is a spectacular river canyon located just east of Portland, Oregon, and a don’t-dare-miss destination for anyone visiting the area.
While the drive through the waterfall corridor is part of the fun, paddling the Gorge by water is an unforgettable experience, guaranteed to amplify your appreciation for Mother Nature.
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Oru Inlet kayak in the Columbia River near Hood River, Oregon
“The Columbia River Basin covers 258,000 square miles and includes parts of seven states and one Canadian province.”
Hood River offers excellent kayaking experiences
Where’s the best place to kayak in Hood River?
Whether it’s a kayak (our favorite), canoe, or SUP, a great launching point is The Hook, located along the riverfront in Hood River, Oregon.
This sheltered cove provides mirror-flat paddling experiences on the most ideal weather days and an endless amount of water recreation fun (this is the Gorge though, so check the weather first and follow kayaking safety guidelines, of course).
There’s plenty of street parking alongside the waterfront park itself (and, ahem, there are public restrooms available), but you can also drive straight down to The Hook’s parking lot and try to score a spot there (we had no trouble recently on a Saturday in August, for the record, but we went another time in September, parking all around this waterfront park in Hood River was much more challenging, as it was peak lunch hours with all the restaurants, and a kiteboarding event at the park).
From the parking lot of The Hook, the launching point into the water is just down a little ramp – very easy to find and access. There’s plenty of space for paddlers to launch too.
I was able to set up my folding origami Oru Inlet kayak in just a few minutes (and, a lot of stares) along with my Oru 4-piece kayak paddle. I’ll add that it’s a very convenient and compact haul of kayaking gear, which easily fits in the back of my small SUV along with my life jacket, dry bag, and more.
Oru Inlet kayak in Hood River, Oregon
What a glimpse of what it’s like to kayak in Hood River? Check out our video in under 30 seconds.
Rent a kayak in Hood River, Oregon
Yes – there’s a small local business location that operates right at The Hook, called Hood River SUP & Kayak. For information regarding rentals, check out our top places to rent a kayak near Portland.
While I can’t vouch for the rental experience at this location – I brought my own kayak – I heard good things from other paddlers out there on the water. Update in July, 2023: We rented a tandem kayak from Hook River SUP & Kayak for a guided sunset kayak tour in the Gorge and had a blast.
Interested in the folding kayak I’ve been out paddling in? Here’s my ultimate review after two years of Oru Inlet use.
While you’re in Hood River, Oregon, we’d also recommend checking out the adorable town, filled with craft breweries, coffee shops, boutique clothing stores, water sports adventure stores & more.
There’s a lot to see, and so much to do, so definitely make a day of it and enjoy this beautiful town along the Columbia River Gorge.
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More flat water kayaking in the Gorge
Flatwater paddlers, for a bucket list kayaking experience, check out this sunset kayaking tour in the Gorge. We loved it and the views and wildlife spotting opportunities are incredible.
Need more PNW kayaking inspiration?
Check out these top blog posts from Flatwater Kayak Club:
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Kayaking in the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Washington. Just north of Portland, Oregon, is the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, where kayakers can observe osprey, bald eagles, black-tailed deer, the American beaver, and more – not to mention lovely floating homes – from Lake River. Learn about this beautiful flatwater paddling route, where to park, and a tip for renting a kayak if you need one (or two – bring a friend!).
Kayak on the Willamette River in Portland. Where can you go to admire the glittering city lights and iconic bridges of Portland, Oregon, paddle around an island, see incredible floating homes, all with the added chance of observing osprey, eagles, and even river otters? Look no further than the Willamette River.
