Days
<1
Motors Allowed?
Yes
Difficulty
Easy / Class A
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Just 30 minutes north of downtown Portland, Scappoose Bay offers an incredible opportunity to explore a myriad of inlets, wetlands, and waterways via kayak, canoe, or stand-up paddleboard. The 85,000 acre area acts as a refuge for a diverse range of migratory birds, fish and wildlife. Scappoose Bay is unique because it is a tidally influenced freshwater estuary. If you are a birder, you’ll have the opportunity to observe osprey, eagles, geese, heron, egrets and swans throughout the wetland. The waters of Scappoose Bay are accessible year around, although there may be ice during cold periods.


With minimal motorized boat traffic, the protected bay is a relaxing and peaceful place to spend a day. Whether you own or plan to rent a kayak or canoe, Scappoose Bay Kayaking offers instructions, routes, and information on conditions. You may find yourself in extremely shallow water during low tides, so check the tidal schedule before you head out. There are numerous channels and routes, including trips to Sauvie Island and Cunningham Slough.

 

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Winter
Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Other

Pros

Wildlife viewing. Proximity to Portland. Variety of routes.

Cons

Tides.

Features

Fishing
Picnic tables
Bird watching
Wildlife

Site characteristics: Water

River

Portage required

No

Location

Comments

04/06/2019
Spring time paddling is a delight south of the marina. High water levels with tons of wetland channels, coves, and inlets to explore. Our 2002 Old Town Camper took us to see dozens of eagles, osprey and heron. Soft northbound currents made for a leisurely drift back to the ramp.
05/21/2016
The flooded forest is a magical place to paddle!
07/05/2017
Hi Madeline. Thanks for your update, we've added the fee to the summary.
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