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.

There are many things to consider before buying a first kayak, and we know how overwhelming it can be to make a purchase with all the options on the market. But if you’re looking to score a great deal on a recreational model, there are certain times of the year when it’s better to buy one.

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.

We’re big fans of Hipcamp, especially when unique, private locations are the primary search criteria. And for recreational kayakers? Check that “paddling” activity box on filtered search to see available spots that provide unique water routes – right from your tent, cabin, yurt, or treehouse.

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.

In the market for a folding kayak, but you want to see it in the trunk of a vehicle? By popular demand, here are some pics of the Oru Inlet kayak folded up and in the back of my Toyota RAV4, a compact SUV.

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.

The Pacific Northwest is one of the most beautiful places in the world to go flatwater kayaking. And whether you’re a visitor to the area or a resident, there are also many great places to rent a kayak within one hour of Portland, Oregon.

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.

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.

Fairings are durable, riveted polyethylene sleeves that help streamline the Oru Inlet kayak and protect the ends from scratches and scrapes. If you discover your fairings are damaged on your Oru Inlet, here’s how to replace them.

You can’t beat the convenience of the lightweight foldable Oru Inlet kayak, easy enough to carry from your car to the water’s edge for quick assembly.

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.