Editor's note: This article originally published on June 20, 2019.
One of the most underrated parts of Oregon’s outdoors is the sheer diversity of places to flat water paddle.
From marshland to dunes, high mountain lakes to vast wetlands, Oregon offers just about every style of flat-water paddling.
In the summer of 2016, Chris Heaps set out to explore it all to write “ The Best Flatwater Paddles in Oregon ,” a book that showcases 51 different bodies of water.
“I hadn’t realized how many different and unique places Oregon has — it’s some of the best paddling in North America,” the Bend resident said. “The thing I love about flat water is the positive mental state created by just gliding around the water. It doesn’t require major skills, it’s probably the best way to see wildlife, and you see places from a prospective you’d never imagined.”
In flat water, you can use many types of boat — a kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard all work.
Heaps said the book’s larger point is about conservation.
“When you can show people show wonderful this is, they’re more likely to take seriously preserving it,” he said.
Heaps put together five of his favorite flat water paddles below and in his own words.
Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is a meandering little waterway surrounded by pristine freshwater wetlands and coastal forest about 10 miles south of Newport. The creek is easily paddled both up and downriver for three or four miles, and you are virtually guaranteed to encounter wildlife, from otters to elk. The launch/return area is easily accessible, and offers shady picnic tables and bathrooms. At the mouth of the creek is Ona Beach, a lovely stretch of white sand. During the summer, the rangers at Brian Booth State Park offer guided kayak tours here, with all required gear included, for just $20/person.
Sauvie Island
The Sauvie Island Wildlife Refuge hosts remarkably secluded paddling only about 30 miles from Portland. Gilbert River and Sturgeon Lake, accessible from the Island, offer many miles of great paddling. Cunningham Slough, accessible from Scappoose Bay, is an epic paddle that will take you through an isolated bayou virtually inaccessible from land. Rentals are available at the Scappoose Bay Paddle Center. This is one of the best places in the state to see eagles and herons, and I have had close encounters with coyotes, beavers, and deer. Unfortunately, this paddle is only accessible from April to July due to lower water levels at other times.
Waldo and Other High Lakes
Waldo Lake is not just one of the best places to paddle in Oregon, it is one of the best places to paddle in the world. The water is indescribably beautiful hues of blue and green, you can paddle as much or as little as you want, you will never have a close encounter with a jet ski or a motor boat, and you can even backcountry camp with your SUP, kayak or canoe. But we are fortunate to have many high lakes with similar appeal. Timothy Lake and Crescent Lake have great beaches. Blue River Lake and Davis Lake have great solitude. Sparks, Hosmer and Wallows lakes all have fantastic views.
Willamette River at Portland
This paddle is not for the faint of heart, nor is it for beginners. But it is, quite simply, really cool and totally unique. The Willamette River in Portland is filled with fascinating things, like an attack submarine that has been in movies and TV shows, marinas filled with luxury yachts, shipping traffic, grain terminals and giant marine crane. Oh, and all of Portland’s many bridges. If you paddle during the Rose Festival, you can also see dragon boat races and immense Navy ships. This should be done as a one-way downriver float, from Sellwood Park to Cathedral Park. Be prepared to have virtually nowhere to land on that approximately 10-mile stretch of busy river.
Upper Klamath Canoe Trail
The Upper Klamath marsh is massive; 15,000 acres of wetlands adjacent to Agency Lake and Upper Klamath Lake. The Upper Klamath Canoe Trail is a maze of narrow waterways through the marsh, lined with reeds, bulrushes, cattails, and lily pads. The paddling is virtually endless, and the bird-watching is among the best anywhere. My favorite resident is the belted kingfisher, which perches silently on posts or reeds before diving head-first into the water to catch fish and other aquatic prey. Go in the springtime to see the huge floating yellow flowers of the wocus lily. Bring plenty of mosquito repellent.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon's top 5 places for paddleboarding: From Willamette River in Portland to Waldo Lake
Local News
