Search Water Activities
When the temperature soars or the water calls, explore these splashy activities in Portland.
As a city divided and defined by its largest waterway, Portland’s relationship with water has always been central to its identity. Whether you’re on the east side or the west side of the Willamette (pronounced “will-AM-it”) River, you can rest assured there’s an abundance of water-centric fun, from paddling and swimming to floating, fishing and sailing, nearby.
Portland’s big rivers, the Willamette and Columbia, are undeniably the stars of the show when it comes to waterborne activities in the area. But you don’t have to look much further to find refreshing swimming holes, stunning flat water like Scappoose Bay or Smith & Bybee Lakes, and white water in the Clackamas, Deschutes or White Salmon rivers.
Know Before You Go
As with any active, living body of water, Portland’s rivers and lakes can be dangerous. Review safety guidelines like those provided by the Human Access Project prior to embarking on your water adventure.
Beaches & Docks
When summertime heats up in Portland, cooling off is as easy as heading to one of the city’s many riverfront beaches or docks for a refreshing dip or paddle.
Pools and Splash Pads
You can also find Portlanders enjoying laps and splashes at Portland Parks & Recreation’s 11 public pools across the city, including four year-round indoor pools and seven seasonal outdoor pools. Warmer days bring families out to the parks, especially those with fountains or splash pads like Jamison Square, Keller Fountain Park and Salmon Street Springs.
Credit: Ashley Anderson
Boat Tours on the Willamette River
The picturesque Portland skyline and the city’s distinctive bridges are arguably best viewed from the river while someone else is steering the ship. A wide range of boat tours welcome sightseers, from the Portland Spirit cruise line to the labor-intensive but thirst-quenching Paddle Pub.
There may be no more relaxing way to get on the water than with a trip through Yacht Tubs — which lets you cruise the river in a remote-controlled motorboat hot tub. But if you’re wired for thrills more than chill, Willamette Jetboat Excursions’ watercraft glides just a few inches above the water at speeds that will blow your hair back.
Paddling Activities in Portland
Look across the water at any given moment and you’re bound to see a hearty mix of kayakers, canoers and stand-up paddleboarders (SUP’ers). Look in the other direction and you’ll probably spot one of Portland’s popular dragon boat teams out there practicing for their big race.
With the Willamette River at the center of the city, you’re never far from a beach or boat launch. And getting outfitted to hit the water is nearly as easy as finding it. Less than a mile from its shore in Portland’s Central Eastside, Next Adventure rents SUP and kayak vessels and gear. On the river’s west side, Gorge Performance rents a variety of paddleboards and surfboards by the hour.
Credit: Tojo Andrianarivo for Portland in Color
Flat Water Paddling
For an idyllic paddle, visit Scappoose Bay, a long channel feeding into the Columbia River northwest of Portland, which teems with great blue herons, bald eagles and seasonal runs of steelhead and salmon. Explore the marshes here with a guided outing from Scappoose Bay Paddling Center. The three-hour wetland tour features beginner-friendly kayaks and frequent sightings of river otters and migratory birds.
Whitewater Paddling
For thrill-seekers, world-class whitewater exists within a few hours of Portland. The Deschutes and White Salmon rivers arguably get the most press, but the nearby Clackamas River is one of the state’s most beloved rafting and kayaking runs. Ranked Class III/IV+ (easy to very difficult), it provides a fun ride for old hands and beginners alike. Local outfitters include eNRG Kayaking and Blue Sky Rafting, among others.
Floating in Portland
Sometimes you don’t even want to paddle, electing instead to inflate your favorite floatable and float in one place or let the current do the work of moving you. Inner tube floaters preferring the former are known to frequent Sellwood Riverfront Park and Sauvie Island, where currents are as mellow as the summer vibes.
For water enthusiasts wanting to experience the full scope of a one-way river run float, the Clackamas River and Sandy River are popular destinations with several handy options for put-in and take-out points. On a hot day, the 5.3-mile (8.5 km) stretch of the Clackamas River from Barton Park to Carver Park is the most popular float in the area. But don’t forget to plan for transportation back to the launch point!
Sailing Activities in Portland
Some of Portland’s prettiest days can also be its windiest. Whether you’re a newby looking for lessons or a sea-worthy yachtsperson wishing to rent a sailboat for a trip of your own, Island Sailing School & Club is a great place to start. Scovare Expeditions also offers a variety of tours and private charters. Proof of sailing certification may be required for rentals.
If windsurfing or kiteboarding are more your speed, head for the famed Columbia River Gorge and the wind and waves of Hood River, which is a little over an hour away. Proceed straight to the Event Site Waterfront, where you’ll have your pick of rental and lesson offerings.
Fishing in Portland
Existing in such natural beauty, Portland is surrounded by the lakes, rivers and streams that fishers dream of. Within the city, the Willamette, Columbia and Clackamas rivers offer access to salmon and steelhead, while walleye, crappie, bluegill, trout and bass can be pulled from various lakes or streams. Bank fishing is popular from a number of the city’s beaches and docks, including Kelly Point, Cathedral Park and Sellwood Riverfront Park.
Fishing guide services are plentiful, especially during salmon season when the bounty can be incredible. Highly-rated guide services include Matt Halseth Guide Service, Caleb’s Guide Service and Lance Fisher Fishing.
Water Activities Near Portland
These nearby attractions offer plenty of aquatic adventure.
Fishing Near Portland
These four waterways — all less than an hour away from Portland — provide the perfect setting for your next fish tale.
Whitewater Rafting Near Portland
Conquer rapids, spot wildlife and experience nature in a new way at these favorite spots for whitewater rafting near Portland.
Swimming Holes Near Portland
Stay cool all summer long at these serene swimming spots, surrounded by the stunning natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest — and all less than an hour away from Portland.
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