Trip Report
Sea Kayak - Columbia River: Cape Horn
A great paddle past dramatic cliffs and waterfalls on a bright sunny day!
Will Greenough
- Tue, Jan 13, 2026
- Sea Kayak - Columbia River: Cape Horn
- Columbia River: Cape Horn
- Sea Kayaking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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A bit brisk (36 degrees) as we arrived at the launch, but warmed into the mid 50's during the day.
The wind was around 5kt from the east in the morning, but calmed to nothing in the afternoon.
Rooster Rock State Park requires a $12 entrance/parking fee for out of state cars. You can pay online the day of the trip, or by credit card at the entrance.
This time of year, the only restrooms available are at the main office just east of the entrance.The river flows were normal for this time of year, running about 165,000-185,000 cfs at Vancouver. The river level was about 2' higher than the tide would predict at these flows. At these levels the sand bar extending from the ramp was well submerged. In the summer, this launch can involve a long carry.
The launch ramp was in the shade of the south side of the gorge, so it was chilly as we got boats and gear down to the water. 
We launched on time and proceeded across the river into the sunshine. Paddling close to shore to minimize the adverse current, we made good time up to Cape Horn. The cliffs and waterfalls were spectacular in the sunshine and we stopped for a break, enjoying the view.
After a break, we continued east until we were just north of Phoca Rock. We ferried out to the rock and circled around it, enjoying the mild clapotis and eddylines created by this striking formation out in the river. Making our way back to the Washington shore we continued east and stopped at a small brushy beach just west of an old piling line (wing dam) for lunch in the sunshine.
After lunch, we continued east, discovering a much better beach just east of the wing dam, and then we crossed back to the Oregon side to Dalton Point.
Staying farther out from shore to get some current push we paddled west with the noise of I-84 accompanying us. We stopped for our last break inside the east end of Sand Island where we had some fun with some dried tall grass stalks.
Paddling back to the launch, the slough was often like a mirror, without a breath of wind. The light at this time of the afternoon was striking.
We arrived back at the launch at around 3pm after a wonderful paddle in unusually fine weather for mid January.
Total distance: 9.6nm
Average moving speed: 2.8kt