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

Nearby Lodging + Camping

Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington
Southwest Washington/Mount St. Helens, Washington

Comments

07/01/2017
This was a great paddle! There is a $3.00 parking fee, which was not listed on this site. Totally worth it, however, as we saw herons, egrets, swallows, vultures, and several ospreys fishing.
Went on a trip with Canoe trip here with Adventures without Limits. It was a great flat water paddle.
05/01/2014
Rented a kayak from Scappoose Bay Kayaks. Went up Scapppose Creek, taking the right fork which skirts along Mularky Farms horse track. Spotted many herons, eagles and 2 owls. Total trip: 5 miles.
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