Not far north of Portland, Scappoose Bay is a labyrinth of explorable channels teeming with wildlife. Herons and ospreys reside in abundance, and there are myriad options for flatwater paddling. The bay can be ideal for beginners or family outings, but there are enough scenery and exploration opportunities to hold any paddler’s interest.
County: Columbia
Put-in: Boat launch area at the Scappoose Bay Marina
Takeout: Same as put-in
Distance: Self-dependent
Float time: Self-dependent
Difficulty rating: Easy
Rapids: None
Waterway type: Bay
Current: Low
River gradient: N/A
River gauge: N/A
Land status: Public
Nearest town: Portland
Boats used: Canoe or kayak
Season: Spring and winter
Fees and permits: Launch fee
Schedule: N/A
Maps: Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas: Page 33 H10–11
Getting there: From Portland, take US 30 West for 25 miles to Bennett Road. Make a right onto Bennett and then a quick left onto Old Portland Road. Turn right onto Bayport Marina Lane. There is a staging/launch area and a separate parking area. GPS: N45° 49.661' / W122° 50.276'
THE PADDLE
Fingering off from the Multnomah Channel, Scappoose Bay is a protected waterway that is home to myriad explorable wetlands and waterways. Some of the channels can be a bit dicey or inaccessible in low water, so be choosy with regards to low-water route selection.
From the put-in, some of the best exploring is located directly across the bay and to the south. A number of waterways and channels bend around in every direction here, including an access to small but scenic Bryce Lake if water levels are high enough. Herons and ospreys are numerous here, as is other wildlife. If you’re paddling in mid-to late summer, your roaming options may be limited. If water is low, try paddling north. You’ll eventually meet up with the Multnomah Channel and eventually the Columbia River if you go far enough. Heading in this direction will provide a lot of open-water paddling as well as views of Mount St. Helens. Watch out for boat traffic, however. Paddle out as far as you see fit and return the way you came.
The Scappoose Bay Paddling Center, run by Portland’s iconic outfitter Next Adventure, is located right at the launch area. They provide rentals, classes, tours, and pretty much anything else you might need for an outing on the bay. Contact Scappoose Bay Paddling Center at (503) 397-2161, or visit nextadventure.net/scappoose-bay-paddling-center.html.
Local Information
Post-paddle food and drink: In St. Helens, check out SunShine Pizza, 2124 Columbia Blvd., or Klondike Restaurant & Bar, 71 Cowlitz St.