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Tours are the perfect place
to practice skills learned in classes. Or join a
tour just for the scenery. It is some of the most
beautiful paddling around, which is why we've chosen to
live here! We'd love to share it with you.
Environment. The diverse Lower Columbia River region
is a paddler's paradise. From protected sloughs to the coastal
surf, it offers something for everyone. The wildness of
this lightly populated area surrounds paddlers in stunning
scenery. The Lewis & Clark National Wildlife Refuge alone
encompasses 35,000 acres of mid-river islands, which is
an ideal classroom for navigation classes. World-class paddling
on the Oregon Coast rewards the paddler with bold
cliffs, sea birds, offshore rocks, sea caves, and fun surf
rides.
History. The native peoples here before us had a
water-based existence. Canoes were the cars of today, and
much more. Water was the highway, not the divide. Even to
the early European-descended settlers, the river was the
central conduit and resource. Although nature has reclaimed
much of the evidence, the stories and the river itself remain.
Paddling is a teriffic way to connect with history of this
place.
Skill-building. Every day on the water is an opportunity to learn and practice.
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Skill Level Rating
based on new (2008) BCU star awards
Level I programs are generally
scheduled for mornings or days with little tidal movement, or
in protected lakes or creeks. No experience necessary.
New BCU One Star - "A Flat water
award that demonstrates an individual has basic boat control and
foundation skills.The one star can be taken in any kind of paddlesport
craft (e.g. sit-on-top, slalom C2, polo boat, sea kayak, racing
canoe etc.)"
Level II tours may experience light
wind (8kts), small waves (1'), or moderate current (1kt).
Level 2 tours build on the basics introduced at level 1. Calm
capsize and reentry experience is required.
New BCU Two Star - "An improvement
award that helps paddlers develop fundamental paddlesport skills
on flat water. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience,
creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding
into how the paddle, boat and water interact. This award is significantly
different to the old 2 star, with a change to develop generic
movement skills that can transfer to any discipline .... ie. in
a variety of craft."
Level III programs take advantage
of afternoon wind (15kts, waves 2-3') or greater tidal action
(2kts).
New BCU Three Star - "Successful
performance at this level indicates that a candidate can consider
themselves an intermediate paddler rather than a beginner. Unlike
the existing award this will be discipline specific with awards
in Sea, Surf, Canoe, WW Kayak, FW Kayak and some of the competitive
disciplines. The three star paddler will be a competent performer
in sheltered to moderate water environments and have the ability
to paddle unsupervised, with similar standard paddlers on sheltered
water. The new award will look similar in structure to the existing
4 star, but with the skills applicable in an easier environment."
Level IV programs require well-refined
paddling skills as they venture into surf, strong wind, or dramatic
current. They may require or build navigation skills, and
contain strong elements of group interdependence.
Link
to BCU star award syllabi
Equipment. All scheduled tours and lessons include kayak and paddling gear:
paddle, PFD, skirt, pump, wetsuit & paddle jacket if necessary
(specify size in advance). Available kayaks include: Wilderness Systems Tempest 165, 170 & 180; Necky Eskia, Zoar Sport, Looksha 4, Looksha Sport & Amaruk double;
Eddyline Merlin, Falcon 16 & Nighthawk 17.5; Pygmy Arctic Tern 17. what to bring
Level I-II Tours
Appropriate for fit beginners; offers coaching and calm water practice
for experienced boaters.
3-4 hours, $65-75 half
5-7 hours, $95-125 full
These tours aim to provide a fun, safe venue for exploring in a
kayak. The tour format offers a practical introduction to kayaking
while a variety of locations gives opportunity to see new places,
practice skills in different conditions, and receive coaching and
assessment. Calendar
Secrets of the Spruce, an Estuary Tour
3-4 hours, $75
5-7 hours, $115
This outstanding tour explores the renowned Blind Slough Sitka
Spruce Swamp, a Nature Conservancy holding near Astoria, OR. See
old and wind-sculpted sitka spruce trees that saw Lewis and Clark
pass by. Enjoy a unique opportunity to access this dynamic waterscape
at its own level. Full day tour also explores some Oregon islands
of the Lewis & Clark National Wildlife Refuge. Also available
under the moonlight-stunning! Calendar
Nehalem Bay Half-Day Tour or Day Tour
3-4 hours, $75. 6 hours. $115
Nehalem Bay is a dramatic coastal estuary at the foot of Neahkanie
Mountain, fed by the gentle Nehalem River and nourished by the
ocean tides. Waterfowl abound and elk sometimes wander the tidal
marshes. Both the bay and the river are excellent places to get
away and unwind on the water, or to fine-tune paddling skills.
We also do this as a full moon tour and early in the morning for wildlife viewing. Calendar
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Family Fun
3 hours, $65 adults, $55 kids 12-15 yrs.
Family Fun gets families and kids excited about paddling. Features
basic instruction, games & exploration. Scheduled by special
request, min. 3 people.
Calendar
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Lewis & Clark River Exploration
3-4 hours, $75
5-6 hours $115
See it how the Corps of Discovery saw it! We often see eagles,
waterfowl, and sometimes river otters. Paddle past the site of
Fort Clatsop, Lewis & Clark's winter quarters in 1805-6. Tall
trees mark the site from the water. Review journal stories and
Native American history along the way. After your tour, visit
Fort Clatsop visitor center and reppica fort if you like! Full
day tours include an upriver exploration as well, a scenic pastoral
easy paddle. We also do this tour under the full
moon. Calendar
Moonlight & Full Moon Tours
2.5-3 hours, $65
What a magic time to be on the water! Locations include the Lewis
& Clark River, Blind Slough, Cathlamet's Hunting Island, and Nehalem
Bay. Some of experiences we've had include migrating geese, coyotes
and deer, bioluminescent glowing water, and mysterious fog floating
across the water. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Glow sticks
provided. Calendar
Willapa Bay Tour (Level 2-3)
5-6 hours, $125
Willapa Bay, along Washington's southern coast, is a productive
estuary where the nutrients of the ocean mix with fresh water
from several rivers and feed a rich ecosystem. Natives traveled
here for thousands of years to gather fish and shellfish, and
oysters harvested there today are among the world's finest. Willapa
National Wildlife Refuge encompasses portions of the bay and all
of Long Island, which is uninhabited except by black bear, elk,
rough-skinned newts, other forest dwellers, and a terrifically
ancient stand of cedars. Tides and currents provide good opportunity
for skill development. Calendar
Willapa Bay Ancient Cedars Hike (Level
2-3)
5-6 hours, $95
In the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge lies a 20 mile island
called Long Island. From a distance it is a tree-carpeted gem
in across the rippled waters. Up close, there are black bear,
elk, rough-skinned newts, ferns, and a terrifically ancient stand
of cedars. Abandoned logging roads and foot trails lead the hiker
about 6 miles into the heart of this virgin forest. The trail
also traverses several other segments of forest, each at a different
stage of growth. This trip kayaks across the short crossing from
the Wildlife Headquarters to Long Island. If there is time after
the hike, we may linger on the water on the way home. Calendar
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Oregon Islands of the Lewis & Clark
National Wildlife Refuge (Level 2-3)
3-4 hours, $65-75 half day
5-7 hours, $115-125 full day
Come explore mid-river islands on the lower Columbia River. Scenic
wetlands, open vistas, wildlife, and fun on the water! Launch
from the Oregon side east of Astoria. Calendar
Columbia River Tour (Level 1-3)
3-4 hours, $75 half day
5-7 hours, $115-125 full day
Explore the lower Columbia River. Scenic wetlands, open vistas,
wildlife, and fun on the water! Locations vary.
Puget Island at high tide boasts miles of hidden water mazes and
abundant wildlife, including beaver, nutria, Columbia white tail
deer, bald eagles, great blue heron, and many other birds. As an
evening tour it is unbeatable! Calendar
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Level III
Tours
and Instructional Tours
Required: BCU 2-star award, ACA Introduction to Kayaking certification,
equavalent experience, or instructor approval.
The more solid your kayak skills are, the more exciting places
are open for you to discover. Build skill and confidence in wind
(to 15 mph), waves (to 2') and current (to 4 knots). Different
locations provide a variety of conditions in which to challenge
yourself. Practice boat control, group safety, basic navigation,
re-entries, surfing, and reading water. Time for personalized
coaching and skill assessment while underway.
Locations include Tongue Point, Baker Bay at the mouth of the
Columbia, the mid-river islands of the Columbia, and Nehalem Bay.
Islands and History
6-7 hours, $115
Between Cathlamet and Skamokawa, WA are many tales to tell: Native
American history, Lewis & Clark, the fishing & logging boom, and
how nature has reclaimed after fishing & logging ran dry. Launch
at Cathlamet, explore the sloughs behind Hunting Islands where
the Cathlamet Indians traded with Lewis & Clark, then cross to
Lark Island for lunch and a peek at one of the last remnants of
an old cannery. As the tide ebbs, we can ride the channel past
Price Island, ancient Indian burial ground, and into Skamokawa.
If the weather turns bad, there are several very interesting protected
sloughs to choose. The full route is 12 miles, but could be trimmed
to 10. Calendar
Desdemona Sands Brunch
3-4 hours, $75 BYO brunch. $90 including spectacular food.
Beside the Astoria Bridge is a sand bar where the cormorants and
gulls go to meet chicks. At low tides the place just begs for
a beach blanket and an umbrella. The plan is to launch from Astoria's
East Mooring Basin, paddle across the shipping channel and beach
on the sands. Pull the boats up, and watch the birds crowd in
to escape a rising tide as we sit on the sand and nibble on the
finest brunch delicacies. Also wave to the folks passing on the
bridge. Then we can check out the pilings downriver where horse
stables once held the salmon sien-net workhorses and handlers.
Then we ride the tide back along the Astoria waterfront. Just
a whole lot of fun! Calendar
Nehalem Bay Level 3 Instructional Tour
Nehalem Bay is a dramatic coastal estuary at the foot of Neahkanie
Mountain. This journey takes us to the mouth where ocean swell
surges in to break (relatively) gently on the sandy beaches of
the bay. Wind is common and currents can be strong here, making
it a premier 3-star paddling location with opportunity to apply
those skills in the conditions they're meant for, as well as to
push into 4-star conditions if we choose. Calendar
Wild Islands of the Lower Columbia River
6-7 hours, $125
Downriver from Skamokawa, WA are tree-lined basalt cliffs where
Indian summer villages and canneries used to perch. We ride the
powerful current down the channel past these cliffs enjoying broad
views of the widening river. After lunch we cross the shipping
channel to the islands of the Lewis & Clark National Wildlife
Refuge and wind our way through marshy channels back to Skamokawa
on an incoming tide. This is an exciting and exposed route, requiring
solid level 2-3 skills. Eleven miles, with flexibility to add
or subtract. Calendar
Waterfalls and Islands
5-6 hours, $115
East of Cathlamet, basalt cliffs rise vertically from the river's
edge. Cliff-top streams launch into arcing waterfalls, providing
spectacular scenery on this tour. Puget Island offers extensive
wetland exploration in Birnie Slough, Net Rack Slough, and secret
unnamed passages where heron, beaver, and bald eagles hang out.
Calendar
Skamokawa to Astoria 20-Mile Marathon
8-9 hours, $135
An exciting jaunt down the wide open heart of the Great River
of the West, and a true test of stamina! Leave the basalt cliffs
of Skamokawa bend, pass the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife
Refuge and its 35,000 acres of tidal islands. Watch the Astoria
bridge climb the horizon into view. Round Tongue Point through
wild currents, and come to a well-deserved landing in the oldest
settlement west of the Rockies. There is no substitute for being
there, and no other sense of accomplishment quite so fulfilling
at the end of the day. Depending on the tide, this trip may also run upstream, beginning in Astoria and ending at Skamokawa. Collaboration needed on shuttle logistics.
Calendar
Astoria to Rice Island round trip
5-6 hours, $125
Paddle from the East Mooring basin in Astoria out to Rice Island for lunch, and return with the outgoing tide. Rice Island is three and a half miles northeast of Tongue Point, and is a sandy, manmade island that was once home to the world's largest and maybe the most controversial Caspian tern colony. Approximately 12 miles of paddling, in exposed conditions.
Calendar
Tongue Point
4-5 hours, $125
Starting at the John Day River boat ramp, just east of Astoria, we will paddle west around Tongue Point, and then along the Astoria waterfront. Along the way, we will pass the old fishing neighborhood of Alderbrook, and paddle through the East Mooring Basin, where we will see scores of sea lions lounging around on the rocks and even on the docks. We will paddle underneath one of Astoria's remaining old cannery buildings just before ending our trip at the Columbia River Maritime Musuem's dock. Plan to eat lunch at the museum's dock, or at one of Astoria's fine dining establishments. Fort George Brewery and Public House is a couple of blocks away. Approximately 6 miles; the water around Tongue Point is often confused, with strong current.
Calendar
Deep River to Astoria Bridge
5-6 hours, $125
The rugged beauty of the Washington shore is a rich reward for
those skilled in wind, waves, and current. There is great variety
on this trip, from the playful standing waves under the bridge
to the caves in Rocky Point. Bald eagles nest on remote forested
hillsides, and fossils have been found on some of the beaches
along the way. This trip sometimes runs upriver to take advantage
of tides and wind.Calendar
Mouth of the Columbia Instructional
Tour
5-6 hours, $125
Just inside the legendary mouth of the Columbia River, Baker Bay
lies tucked behind storm-battered Cape Disappointment. Choosing
the right tides and weather can make a kayak trip here an exhilarating
and educational level III-IV experence. Boat control skills may
be practiced in wind and wind-waves, among obstacles in current,
and in surf-waves. Includes basic navigation and other valuable
safety skills. Other highlights are sandy beaches for lunch, abundant
waterfowl, centuries of history, and if you're lucky, even a sea
lion nabbing a salmon out of a wave. Calendar
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Mouth
of the Columbia Instructional Tour Level IV
5-6 hours, $125
The "Graveyard of the Pacific" offers some unique kayaking opportunities.
Conditions here hinge on tides, weather, and ocean swell, and CRK
has a depth of local experience. Many things happen at once in this
dynamic training ground, making it, at moderate tides, an excellent
venue for challenging the 3-star paddler with the next level of
conditions. Once bracing, edgingl, positional awareness, and basic
navigation start to become second nature, come out here to play,
and accelerate that learning curve again. Calendar
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| Coastal
Journey
5-6 hours, $125
The Oregon Coast is a scenic gem and paddler's playground, kept
secret by the pounding surf. Once you've got the skills to cross
those breakers, come on out to where the magic is. Locations vary,
depending on conditions. Seaside to Cannon Beach, Cape Falcon, Manzanita,
Cape Lookout, more. Calendar
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