Perfect for all kayaking skill levels. Easy, free parking. Kayak rentals on-site. And a beautiful calm water paddling experience to see historic bridges, water birds, and lovely riverfront homes near downtown Portland, Oregon. Read on to learn a great place to flatwater kayak on the Tualatin River.

Flatwater kayaking fans, have we got a great spot for you to paddle. Perfect for intermediate recreational kayakers. 10 minutes from downtown Rose City. A fun, 2.5-mile round trip adventure around a volcanic island. The ease of on-site kayak rentals. And the best part? It’s the perfect calm Willamette River paddle to admire the changing Autumn leaves, right from aboard your boat.

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.

So, you’ve got your flatwater kayaking photos and videos ready for an Instagram reel remix (or whatever the kids use these days) but you need the perfect paddling song to set the stage. We’ve got you.

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.