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Between the many rivers, creeks, canals, and Pacific Ocean, Oregon has an astounding amount of access to great kayaking spots. With so many options, it can be difficult to determine which are best for families and beginners. Before you head out, participate in a safety course to learn the basics. We’ve gone through and picked out five of the best spots for beginners to get comfortable on the water. Check them out!
The Willamette River near Portland, Oregon, is a major tributary of the Columbia River and cuts through many large cities in Oregon, including Portland. New kayakers should stick to the main channel, as it widens and calms through the city. See Oregon’s largest city by guided tour with the Portland Kayak Co., who offers half-day guided trips and boat rentals. Wildlife, like osprey, heron, and eagles, are observable from the water. For beginners not yet ready to face the open water, the Willamette through Portland is a perfect place to get their feet wet.
Join Arrowhead Adventures on a guided kayaking trip through the Rogue River near Grants Pass, Oregon. According to the Arrowhead Adventures website, “Your journey begins on a flat, clam section of the beautiful Rogue River, giving you time to practice your new kayaking skills.” From there, your guide will take you along a few small rapids and point out the most beatific parts of the river, as well as wildlife. The whitewater provides a bit of a challenge but not enough to scare beginners.
The Alton Baker Canal, starting in Springfield, Oregon, is the perfect two-mile jaunt for families and beginner kayakers. The water is still and almost entirely flat. The canal is no deeper than four feet, and doesn’t get much wider than 30 yards, providing the perfect shallow pool to take the boat out and learn. Fishing is a major pastime at the canal, as it is regularly stocked with trout. Younger families won’t do much better than the Alton Baker Canal.
Wanderlust Tours offers an excellent guided tour of the Cascade Range. Spend two hours on the water with a professional guide. Families in particular will enjoy the tandem sit-on-top kayaks, which make learning to paddle a family experience. Younger kids might like the canoe tour, too. According to their website, kayakers should “be sure to watch for otter, mink, osprey, and eagles, and bring a camera for the best mountain views in Central Oregon!” We concur.
The Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon, is a slightly more challenging whitewater experience, but the Tumalo Creek Kayak and Canoe company offers whitewater kayaking camps to help prepare youngsters to get out on the water. Their trained professionals will teach children ages 10-15 all the best practices before taking them out onto the water, and make sure everyone is safe the entire time. Once the kids are comfortable, take them out onto the gentle stretches of Deschutes by the Old Mill and then on to Class II rapids when they’re ready for a bumpier ride.
