Trip Report: Kayaking Scappoose Bay
When: 03/22/2017
Location: Scappoose Bay, Warren, OR
Conditions: Cloudy, chilly, and a breeze. High water.
Duration: 3 hours
Difficulty: Pretty easy if you stay out of the trees.
Kid Friendly: No (unless they are stellar paddlers)
Pet Friendly: No (unless they like kayaks)
Useful links: Scappoose Bay Paddling Center / outdoorproject.com
The Full Report
I just heard on the news this morning that the Columbia River is the highest it's been in 6 years, its above flood stage, and is expected to stay that way for a week. This is the perfect time to explore the flooded forests of Scappoose Bay. You can literally paddle through the trees, like up in their upper branches in some spots. It is a magical, serene wonderland.
It was a nice, mellow paddle (though a bit windy). We hit the water about 4:30 pm and paddled til sunset. There is little current in the bay so it is easy. We headed off to explore the waters southeast of the marina. We were surprised to find that there were no real channels, just flooded areas with trees and areas without trees. It was hard to identify specific channels we've paddled in the past, however, it is hard to get lost. At one point, we checked our GPS and it showed we were in a field. We did paddle in and out of the actual trees which requires tight maneuvering and careful paddling, but it was nothing too crazy.
With the water so high, we didn't see any land animals, but we saw birds galore. Ducks, geese, great blue herons, and eagles! We even discovered an eagle's nest. It was pretty cool.
It did get a little chilly so be sure to dress both for rain and extra layers for that breeze. If you've never paddled Scappoose Bay, check it out. It's only 45 minutes from Portland, they have an on-the-water dock specifically for paddle sports, and it’s just a really cool and easy waterway to explore. Do it!
It was a nice, mellow paddle (though a bit windy). We hit the water about 4:30 pm and paddled til sunset. There is little current in the bay so it is easy. We headed off to explore the waters southeast of the marina. We were surprised to find that there were no real channels, just flooded areas with trees and areas without trees. It was hard to identify specific channels we've paddled in the past, however, it is hard to get lost. At one point, we checked our GPS and it showed we were in a field. We did paddle in and out of the actual trees which requires tight maneuvering and careful paddling, but it was nothing too crazy.
With the water so high, we didn't see any land animals, but we saw birds galore. Ducks, geese, great blue herons, and eagles! We even discovered an eagle's nest. It was pretty cool.
It did get a little chilly so be sure to dress both for rain and extra layers for that breeze. If you've never paddled Scappoose Bay, check it out. It's only 45 minutes from Portland, they have an on-the-water dock specifically for paddle sports, and it’s just a really cool and easy waterway to explore. Do it!