Oregon Kayaking

Oregon kayaking has unlimited possibilities for scenic and exciting kayaking adventures. There are numerous rivers located throughout the state with varying levels of difficulty that will tempt any kayaker, regardless of the level of skill he or she has. There are also hundreds of miles of coastline, secluded beaches, and numerous kayaking clubs that you can join to increase your knowledge and skill of kayaking or to just have a good time with a group of other kayakers.

The Hood River, which is located in the Columbia River Gorge, is just one of the many idyllic spots in Oregon for enjoying whitewater kayaking, whether it’s the spectacular runs, fishing from your kayak or just enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

The John Day River corridor offers Class One and Two whitewater that’s perfect for everything from a corporate retreat, an exciting group activity, to the family adventure of a lifetime. You’ll enjoy beautiful high desert scenery and the river is known for its smallmouth bass fishing. Whether you’re shooting the rapids or relaxing and enjoying the fishing and scenery, the John Day River corridor also offers camping, hiking and gourmet food, as well as tours, to make that weekend or week-long kayaking adventure an unforgettable one.

In the North Eastern part of Oregon, you can kayak the Grande Ronde River that is wild and scenic, plus it provides numerous camping beaches. The river offers class Two kayaking that’s mild enough for kayakers of all ages and skill levels. It’s also known for its excellent trout fishing, and when you’re tired and need to take a break from kayaking, the area offers a variety of side hikes, that run from ten minutes or longer, up side streams and overlooking the canyon for panoramic mountain views.

Oregon offers a variety of whitewater kayak trips on such Pacific Northwest Rivers as the Clackamas, Umpqua, Klamath, Rogue, Salmon and the McKenzie. The McKenzie River flows east to west through the heart of the beautiful, pine covered Cascade Mountains, which are 10,000 feet above sea level, with headwaters originating from the glaciers and snowfields. You can enjoy kayaking in classic whitewater or have a more relaxing day fishing in the crystal clear water from March through October. The Upper McKenzie offers a ten mile stretch of quick succession Class Two and Three rapids that are mixed with stretches of flatwater. It’s a great place for those looking for great mountain scenery and loads of fun.

Oregon Kayaking | The Rogue & Klamath Rivers

The Rogue River and Upper Klamath River offer not only a great, scenic, kayaking experience but also superb fishing for steelhead or trout and Chinook (King) salmon.

No matter where you go kayaking in Oregon, along the remote coastline or the oftentimes challenging scenic rivers, you’re sure to have the adventure of a lifetime, whether you're shooting the whitewater rapids or taking advantage of the superlative kayak fishing. Oregon kayaking has the potential to become one of those unforgettable kayaking trip adventures.