This is a review of the flat water float from Dabney State Recreational Area to Lewis and Clark…read moreState Recreation area on the Lower Sandy River. I know this is not a normal category, but I personally felt a review of this trip would have helped me this last summer. From what I hear the top two most popular flat water floats in the outskirts of Portland are the Lower Clackamas and Lower Sandy Rivers. Originally my friends and I tried to float the lower Clack, but the parking lots where full and stuck in a traffic jam. So after about an hour of driving all over and not finding parking we decided to check out the Lower Sandy River section. This float was just as crowded but the parking lot area was so much larger what we found a spot. Now the first tip I will give out is to go early on a weekend day or go on a weekday and you will have better luck. The second tip I will give you is to park at the downhill park first if you shuttle two vehicles. If you want to combine these two tips, make a plan to spend the day with your friends and leave the first car parked early while you go out and enjoy some activities before the float. Though it is worth noting that you can occasionally find shuttle services these days. I have not used this yet, but will next summer. Once we got setup we found plenty of friendly people, if you bring your own pump be prepared for people asking to borrow it. The section of this river is amazing to check out. The beaches have pretty white sand and the water was not very cold in August at least. The water was slow going for the most part but there was a couple of sections where you will want to maneuver quickly and a few places where there is debris. Be sure to keep an open eye out for strainers and foot entrapment opportunities. The river passes through some forests, neighborhoods and has a cool view of a little bamboo garden that gave it a nice little zen vibe. Towards the end there is a rocky area that has some rapids. I made the mistake of tying off onto some friends inner tubes and was shot in between some boulders and rapids. I got lucky, but you will want be be prepared for that as I was not! Overall this was an amazing float that is sure to have you stoked and relaxed at the same time. Be sure not to litter in this area so this activity doesnt get shut down. For inner tube rentals check out the website below https://www.clackamasriveroutfitters.com/ For Shuttle information check out the website below. http://oregonriverrentals.com/products/clackamas-river-shuttle-pass/21 For the upstream park information check out the website below https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=110 For the downstream park information check out the website below. https://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=116

Thee best lazy river float in oregon yet…read more.. You will not be let down... Locals... tourist... just all having fun... Residents up and down the river relaxing.. bbq and enjoying life... it makes you fall all in love with oregon again.. Enjoy

I took the Ridgefield Bachelor Island Circumnavigation Class…read more Overall, I would really give it 4/5 stars, but here I gave it 5 stars because I felt the 4 was really too subjective and I did not have enough objectivity to my reasoning. It was really a personal preference, as stated below. The instructor/guide, Peggy, was great! She was knowledgeable, helpful, funny, and catered the class to us (all 2 of us! well, 3 if you count my service dog!) What I got out of it? I got a lot of practice on my paddling. Peggy was great in making me learn my body the whats and whys of what I was doing wrong, which, is a much better way of learning than just being told. She guided me to the answer, but I still had to figure it out, which I did, and I now am more able to correct my own errors. Whenever there is a disabled person is a class, and one with a service dog, it can stress others out. Peggy handled it like a pro - as if she dealt with this all the time (and I know she doesn't!) It was welcoming and comforting to know how well we were going to be taken care of. So why did I give it 4 stars and not 5? Completely, 100%, subjective opinion. Boring. This is not a route I would take on my own, nor would I take the class again, mainly because there isn't a whole lot to see. For working on kayaking skills it's a 5/5. Making it an exciting adventure, a 4/5. This has nothing to do with the instructor (she did a great job, and I learned about the island, about wire dams, etc). It's more that it is just not something I would want to repeat. Would I recommend it? Yes! it is a great class after the beginner skills class, because you really have to work on all of the skills. Overall, Alder Creek has been great to work with and I can't wait for my next class (in 2 weeks!)

Shamus and Erik were outstandingly helpful when it came time to put our kayaks in the river. What…read morean excellent staff to launch our water sports day. Located in Tomahawk Island, this rental company is nestled in between marinas and makes kayaking in the river community I retesting easy and fun. Lunch after at the Island Cafe. We were set! Highly recommend!

Omg I called to rent a kayak and this person got upset at me for trying to ask a question and hung…read moreup and immediately started texting me!!! I didn't even get to ask my question when he hung up on me! Do NOT go there people I promise I am not making this up I'm in shock right now that a business "man" would act this way. SMH

Customers beware, something is not right with this business on too many levels. My wife called…read moretoday to ask whether there was a ramp to take the paddle boards down next to the business. The owner said there was not, and then, unsolicitedly started texting her. I attach the conversation verbatim because my wife did not participate in it at all. I will avoid this shop at all costs.

I love this park! I have driven past a few times, but just recently visited. Great place for all…read moreages. Calm water, lots of space to sit and enjoy the view. Ample free parking in the neighborhood.

We love Horseshoe! Such a great place to swim, float, or padddle board. It's a short loop and you…read morecan go the full length fairly easily. Don't be scared away by the crowds on the beach. Once you're out in the water it's not bad at all.

Stopped in today to rent a kayak. On line rental was listed for $50.00 for 2 hours for a Tandem…read moreKayak. The rental location (Ridgefield, Washington) quoted me as $150.00 for 2 hours. I explained to worker the price discrepancy and asked why the difference. He stated "oh, that was for our Oregon location and Washington charges sales tax. If you don't know, just tell the customer you don't know why the rate is different. Don't make up stuff, especially some asinine excuse about sales tax. So the tax would be $100.00 even? (I give him an A for effort, but an F for intelligence) Anyhow, my advice is book online. I am leery of actually renting now since I can imagine the bait and switch that will occur when they list the rental for $50.00 but charge you $150.00. Anyhow, I won't be back. Not worth the hassle of teenagers handling this operation. Renter beware...

We had a good time with our kids…read more The kayaks were in good shape, and good for beginners. The slough was beautiful. We saw a racoon, some beautiful birds, and had a nice relaxing trip. Do it, you will not regret it.

Tubes are $25 for a day rental! They are nice, heavy duty red tubes and have handles. Pickup is in…read morehis garage/driveway and pickup was so easy! You can take the tubes wherever you want which is nice. They're super easy to blow up and have a mesh bottom to hold your belongings close by/shield your bum from rocks. He gave us a hand pump to use to blow them up when we arrive at our location. Drop off was just as easy, we texted him when we were 5 minutes away and he came outside when we needed to drop off! Would definitely rent from him again if we are ever in the area!

We rented six tubes from Bryan on the Fourth of July. I thought we were going to be an hour early…read morepicking them up than we scheduled. I called Bryan and he was totally fine with us being early. It ended up taking us an hour longer than we thought to drop our car off at Barton Park. But Bryan was waiting for us when we got there. The process was very easy and fast. He had everything ready for us and offered us life jackets since we didn't have quite enough for our group. The tubes were a lot of fun and held up, even going over some parts that were shallow and rocky. We will rent from Bryan again if we float the river again. Great experience!

Easy access, ample parking, half mile loop around two ponds and the Columbia Slough…read more Lots of bunnies hopping around the grassy areas around the parking lot. Dozens of ducks and ducklings swimming around both ponds. There's a dock at one of the lakes and a small dock at the slough. Also a cute footbridge. Also saw a blue heron, swallows, turtles, woodpeckers, and nutria. Lots of chewed trees, but didn't actually see any beavers. There's a cute gazebo with 3 picnic tables. The only restroom is a port-a-potty.

What a hidden gem in the city!!! The perfect spot to launch your kayaks in the slough. The parking…read morelot is open and well lit, you can tell they recently got a mini makeover in the parking lot. There is a public bathroom at the entrance and a gazebo to the right. There is a nice lookout terrace for viewing the pond. The steps down to the docks could use a little TLC , but it was easy in and out other then carrying them down. The slough was a little low, but the wildlife was everywhere we saw several heron, crawfish, frogs, a family of ducklings and an eagle carrying a stick back to its nest and much more, it's hard to believe this is all found in the middle of such a bustling city, floating down the channel was so peaceful we kinda forgot we had to row back up stream and ended up going way farther then we had planned. Make sure you bring plenty of water, there might of been a water fountain on the far side but I didn't see one.

I learned to row! I can't say enough good things about this experience. Rick was my instructor,…read moreand he is so knowledgeable, experienced, and chill, I never had an anxious moment. They have youth groups here so you have to keep that in mind if you want a less crowded lake. Also, if its during lessons there might not be an extra boat for you. But time it right and you can be out there nearly alone (row with a buddy, do I need to remind you why?), with glassy calm water, a bit of mist clinging to the surface and the calls of birds all around. Membership, if that's your choice, comes with a place to store your own boat and permission to use the club boats. It's a comfortable facility with plenty of parking and a spacious dock. I have a rowing machine that I use regularly. I knew being on the water would feel different, but land based rowing def helped me. You'll want that endurance in your heart and arms, and strength in your glutes for a long row. Dont worry if you're new, though. It's not so difficult that you can't enjoy it while you're building your skill, confidence, and strength. I'm looking for people to row with, so dm me if you'd like to go together.

I can not give enough stars for VLC. I grew up around water and playing sports but once I actually…read morewent to a practice, I quit the other sports to spend my time on the water. It was a combination of loving, supportive and knowledgeable coaches, dedicated and happy teammates, and the sport itself. I considered the team my family! They are flexible to meet the needs of individuals while providing a variety of camps and opportunities for potential rowers or water lovers. VLC is an experience, not just a business.

I did the whitewater rafting experience on a Saturday afternoon, and it was great! Very safety…read moreoriented but also very fun. Highly recommend this rafting company! Our guide Big Al/Alex was awesome. When we decided we all wanted to do the optional big waterfall, she coached us and drilled us many times so that we'd be able to raft down the waterfall as safely as possible. There was also an optional cliff jumping spot for people who wanted to get out of the raft and do that. Those of us who didn't want to do the big waterfall weren't pressured to do it & were given the option to skip it.

This is the company to go through for the best time. This was SO fun! First time rafter, and they…read moremade it so easy! All we had to do is show up. They have everything set for a great day. All the staff was friendly and helpful! Absolutely try this adventure. We did White Salmon half day. Will do again!