Real talk: at any moment in Portland, you’re mere minutes from a gorgeous paddle—but the options can overwhelm. We can help. We've tracked down easy paddle spots for kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders, and have all you need to know when it comes to gear, permits, and safety.

Beginners / Intermediate / Advanced / Don't Forget Your...

Beginners

Benson Lake

45 MInutes east, just before Multnomah falls

On weekends, Benson Lake can overflow with people and parties: It's part of a recreation area that also includes a disc golf course and a reservable group picnic center. But on weekdays it can be quite peaceful, and you're likely to find parking close to the lakeshore. Located just off I-84, the lake is small, only a quarter mile lengthwise, meaning you’re never far from the banks. There’s a shallow shoal near the picnic area that's great for kayakers learning how to roll or canoers practicing boat swamp recovery.

Motorized boats? No
Logistics: Dogs are allowed, but not in the water. $5 day-use fee or Oregon State Parks pass.

Trillium Lake

90 minutes east, toward mount hood

One of Oregon’s most picturesque lakes is a year-round showstopper, and breaking its glassy reflection of Mount Hood is one of the coolest experiences paddlers can have near Portland. The day-use area on its south side is complete with boat ramp, dock, reservable picnic area, and other amenities. Its waters are regularly stocked by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, so bring your fishing gear for good opportunities to reel in impressively large rainbow and lake trout. The lake also has a large campground. Pro tip: while lakeside camp spots tend to book far in advance, sites farther from the water can often be scooped up on short notice, and there's also a handful of first come, first served sites. Summer weekends, unsurprisingly, bring crowds, so swing a weekday visit if that's not your thing.

Motorized Boats? No.
Logistics: Requires $10 day-use fee or Northwest Forest Pass.

Intermediate

Lacamas Lake

30 minutes northeast, in camas, wa

Lacamas Lake is well-known for its summer water lilies, as well as its calm water with tall trees on each side. Put in at Heritage Park, a Camas city park, which has a boat launch, picnic tables, and restrooms. It can get crowded in the summer months.

Motorized boats? Yes, though there are no-wake zones
Logistics: Free parking, no fees. Check for water advisories because algae blooms during warmer months can cause closures.

Clackamette Park

30 minutes south, toward oregon city

Where the Clackamas and Willamette rivers meet near Oregon City sits a charming little park with a bustling boat launch used by fishers seeking steelhead near Willamette Falls. The slow-flowing Clackamas is appropriate for all levels of paddlers. Enter the river and head upstream (right) toward a decent-sized sandbar—a good spot to land, set up a chair, and enjoy a sunny day with a beer or two. Just south of that sandbar is an inlet that leads to a pond that backfills from the Clackamas River; it's popular with both paddlers and people who angle for trout from the banks. Those feeling a bit more adventurous can continue past the sandbar and pond toward High Rocks, where thrill seekers jump from cliffs of varying heights.

Motorized boats? Yes.
Logistics: The parking lot fills up quickly, so try a sunrise or sunset paddle on a weekday.

Estacada Lake

45 minutes southeast, at milo mciver state park

Protection from wind and strong currents makes Estacada Lake particularly serene. Put in at the boat launch within Milo McIver State Park, which has parking and vault toilets. The lake is narrow but runs four miles long, with trees lining both sides, a small waterfall, and a beautiful bridge to paddle under. Birds abound, and the park has numerous hiking trails, a picnic area, and a campground. There's also a second boat launch point at Timber Park in Estacada.

Motorized boats? Yes.
Logistics: $5 day-use permit or Oregon State Parks pass required May through mid-October.

Expect to share space with windsurfers in Hood River.

Hood River Waterfront

1 hour east, in hood river

Hood River offers multiple spots for paddling. Beginners should try Nichols Boat Basin, where the water is generally calm and offers views of the Columbia River. You can easily access the water from the beach, with street parking right next to it. Additional parking and restrooms are nearby at the Hood River Event Site. Another option is the Hook, on the west side of the Hood River Waterfront, named for the way the land juts out into the river. You can either stay within a basin area, which is open to boats, kiteboarders and wing foilers, or paddle on the Columbia River. Both entry points are prone to fair-weather crowds.

Motorized boats? In Nichols Basin, no. In the Hook, yes.
Logistics: $2.50/hour street parking near the Hook. No use fee.

Lost Lake

1 hour and 45 minutes East, just south of Hood river

Lost Lake boasts incredible views of Mount Hood's north side, and the onsite resort conveniently rents kayaks and paddleboards. Expect busier weekends, but even on a crowded day, you’ll find ample parking, plus restrooms and a general store with a small café to grab lunch. Paddlers can put in at the easily accessible boat launch. Note that wind can pick up here.

Motorized boats? No
Logistics: $15 day-use fee, or you can camp for a multiday adventure.

Advanced

Sand Island Marine Park and Warrior Rock Lighthouse

50 minutes north, toward st. helens

If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge, try this quick paddle across the Columbia River from downtown St. Helens to Sand Island. Choose from two launch sites: the public marina at Columbia View Park next to the Columbia County Courthouse or Grey Cliffs Waterfront (which can be mucky—you’ll need to wash off feet and gear). The paddle to the island can be choppy, especially with afternoon wind, and the current can be strong. Once on the island, you can explore the reservable campground, or sprawl out on the beach for a picnic while watching large ships pass in the Columbia River’s main channel. Those looking for an advanced paddle can head against the current one mile southward to Oregon’s smallest lighthouse, Warrior Rock Lighthouse on the tip of Sauvie Island.

Motorized boats? Yes.
Logistics: Free parking at both launch sites.

Don't Forget Your...

Whistle: It's an underrated (and legally required) tool on the water, and it can allow you to be heard—and ultimately seen—in case of an emergency.

Waterway Access Permit: Nonmotorized watercraft including paddleboards, kayaks and canoes that are 10 feet or longer require a Waterway Access Permit. These can be purchased online through the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Dry Bag: These relatively inexpensive bags come in a range of sizes and secure items such as your cell phone and car keys inside without water damage.

Warm Gear: Even on a hot day, you can get very cold while paddling. Wearing neoprene clothing will help.

Personal Flotation Device (PFD): “It doesn’t matter how great of a swimmer you are,” says Mitch Sheridan, manager of Next Adventure's paddle sports division. “You’re not going to beat the Willamette or Clackamas when it’s flowing.” The best way to find a PFD comfortable for all-day wear is to test out many styles and brands.