Just south of Seattle in Tacoma, you can rent a kayak at Owen Beach, Washington, and enjoy stunning views of Gig Harbor, Vashon Island, Commencement Bay and –on a clear day– Mt. Rainier.

Just north of Portland, Oregon, is the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, where kayakers can observe osprey, black-tailed deer, the American beaver, and more – not to mention lovely floating homes – from Lake River.

A little gem of a destination called “The Hook,” located on the Hood River, Oregon waterfront, provides a mostly-sheltered flatwater kayaking experience. Unforgettable mountain and river views and clearer, calmer water than other launch points in the Gorge make this a must-do on your PNW flatwater kayaking bucket list.

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.

Need a kayaking spot within about 30 minutes of Portland, Oregon? One those staple always-a-good-time paddling experiences, with the ease of on-water kayak and SUP rentals, and a dynamite view of Mt. St. Helens on a clear sky day? Look no further that Scappoose Bay.

Basalt rocky formations, cool little channels to explore, and the chance to spot osprey, bald eagles, river otters, and more– all just a short, easy drive south of Portland, Oregon.