The Best Spots to Canoe, Kayak, and Paddleboard on Flatwater near Portland
Trillium Lake brings the drama.
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-to-reach paddle spots for kayakers, canoers, and paddleboarders, and we have all you need to know when it comes to gear, permits, and safety.
Beginners / Intermediate / Advanced / Don’t Forget Your…
Beginners
Benson Lake
Columbia River Gorge | 45 MInutes From Portland
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 right off I-84, just west of Multnomah Falls, the lake is small, only a quarter mile lengthwise, meaning you’re never far from its 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.
At Trillium Lake, Hood is ready for its closeup.
Trillium Lake
Mount Hood | 90 minutes From Portland
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-serve sites. Summer weekends, unsurprisingly, bring crowds, so swing a weekday visit if that’s not your thing.
Motorized Boats? No.
Logistics: $10 day-use fee or Northwest Forest Pass.
Intermediate
Find calm waters and tree-lined shores at Lacamas Lake.
Lacamas Lake
Camas | 30 minutes From Portland
Washington’s 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 From Portland
Near Oregon City, where the Clackamas and Willamette rivers meet, 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-size sandbar—a good spot to land, set up a chair, and enjoy a sunny day. 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 might be narrow, but it runs four miles long.
Estacada Lake
Estacada | 45 minutes From Portland
Protection from wind and strong currents makes Estacada Lake particularly serene. (It’s also not actually a lake but a dammed portion of the Clackamas River.) Put in at the boat launch at 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. You can also access Estacada Lake at nearby Timber Park—while its nonmotorized launch is closed in 2025 due to dam construction, a small launch at Tulip Road Access Point sits right outside and requires no fees.
Motorized boats? Yes.
Logistics: $5 day-use permit or Oregon State Parks pass required at Milo McIver from May to mid-October.
Hood River draws windsurfers, too.
Hood River Waterfront
Hood River | 1 hour From Portland
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 the 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: $2.75/hour street parking near the Hook. No use fee.
BYO pup.
Lost Lake
Mount Hood | 1 hour and 45 minutes From Portland
Lost Lake boasts incredible views of Mount Hood’s north side, and the on-site 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 offers space to sprawl.
Sand Island Marine Park and Warrior Rock Lighthouse
st. Helens | 50 minutes From Portland
For 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, so prepare to wash off feet and gear). The paddle to the island can be choppy, especially with afternoon wind, and the current can be strong. The island has a reservable campground, and day-trippers can sprawl on the beach for a picnic while watching ships pass in the Columbia River’s main channel. Or, for even more of a push, head against the current one mile southward to Oregon’s smallest lighthouse, Warrior Rock Lighthouse, which sits 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 prevent water damage to cell phones and car keys.
Warm Gear: Even on a hot day, you can get very cold while paddling. Avoid cotton, dress in layers, and consider neoprene for max warmth.
Personal Flotation Device (PFD): Think you’re a strong swimmer? The water is stronger. The best way to find a PFD comfortable for all-day wear is to test out many styles and brands.
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Author: Hey PDX
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