Columbia River: Lady Island Circumnavigation
This 8-10nm circumnavigation of Lady Island provides a sampling of the Columbia River, Camas Slough and optional lunch stop at the Puffin Café. Dependent on wind and current, conditions experienced could be mild to moderate. The trip can be started from either end: Chinook Landing, Oregon or Washougal, Washington.
Launch Points
Chinook Landing Marine Park, https://www.oregonmetro.gov/parks/boat-ramps/chinook-landing-marine-park; 5201 NE 223rd Ave, Fairview. $5/car. Directions: From I-84 take exit 14 for Fairview Parkway. Proceed on Fairview Pkwy then NE Sandy Blvd to NE 223rd to Chinook Landing. About 5 miles from I-205.
Washougal Waterfront Park, https://visitwashougal.com/176/Washougal-Waterfront-Park-Trail; 56 S 1st St, Washougal, WA 98671. Directions: From Highway 14 take exit 14. Proceed the short distance south to the Park.
Directions:
Launch from Chinook Landing boat launch and head upriver along the Oregon shore. Cross to Lady Island just downstream of the powerline. Continue paddling upstream, around the east end of the island. Cross Lady Island channel and continue upriver to the west end of Washougal. Two destinations are possible – either pull up at the dock for lunch at the Puffin Café, or continue the short distance further to Washougal Waterfront Park.
Return by paddling downriver along the Washington shore, crossing under the Highway 14 bridge and around to the north side of Lady Island/Camas Slough. If desired, and dependent on water level and current, it may be possible to add a short exploration of the Washougal River. From the west end of Lady Island, follow the shore around the island and continue upriver a bit to complete the circumnavigation. If there’s much current in the Columbia River, this distance east before crossing is helpful to avoid getting pushed past Chinook Landing. Cross back to the southern side of the Columbia and Oregon, then follow the shore to your starting point at Chinook Landing.
Depending on river flow rates and winds, this trip can be mild or challenging. Use caution around several wing dams.
This trip could be combined with a foray up the Washougal River (distance dependent on water level and current), circumnavigation of McGuire Island or foray up the Sandy River.
- Suitable Activities: Sea Kayaking
- Seasons: Year-round
- Weather: View weather forecast
- Length: 9.0 nm
- Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
- Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
- Recommended Party Size: 12
- Maximum Party Size: 12
- Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.