5 beautiful state parks to paddle on National Canoe Day

Canoeing on the Willamette River

June 26 is National Canoe Day, and Oregon offers some of the best rivers and lakes to drop your canoe (or kayak, or paddleboard) into the water. While the options are plenty, we think you’ll find these five parks offer the most scenic and peaceful places worthy of a paddle.

For a full list of guided kayaks tours and to register, visit our online park store at http://bit.ly/ParkStoreEvents.

 

Kayaking on Beaver Creek at Brian Booth State Park.

Brian Booth State Park (Beaver Creek)
Paddling on Beaver Creek through a freshwater marsh is the perfect way to enjoy nature in a peaceful, tranquil environment. The marsh is home to many types of wildlife, especially migratory birds and waterfowl. Don't have a kayak? Guided kayak tours on Beaver Creek are offered seasonally, and include use of kayaks, life preservers and paddles. Folks who register will launch from nearby Ona Beach and spend over two hours exploring the fascinating Beaver Creek area with park guides.

The Cove Palisades State Park
The Cove Palisades State Park is a recreational destination for the entire family. Located in the high desert, the park is situated among towering cliffs that surround beautiful Lake Billy Chinook. The park has three day-use areas (each of which lead to Lake Billy Chinook); one on the Crooked River arm of the reservoir that includes an ADA accessible kayak launch, and two on the Deschutes River. Each has a boat ramp, courtesy dock, sandy beaches, picnic sites and a restroom. The park offers guided kayak tours on the Deschutes River arm of the lake that include lessons on local geology, area history and the plants and animals of the high desert.

Mayer State Park
The Columbia River Gorge might be known mostly for its hiking trails and waterfalls, but it’s also becoming a more popular destination for water sports. To enjoy the beauty of this National Scenic Area (the largest in America), experienced canoers, kayakers and paddleboarders alike prefer hitting the Columbia River from the boat dock at Mayer State Park. For an easier paddle, stay protected from prevailing winds and explore the Salisbury Slough.

Milo McIver State Park
River-lovers can challenge the sometimes wild (but always picturesque) Clackamas River with rafts, canoes or kayaks. Lakes more your style? Take-off from the ADA-accessible kayak launch on Estacada Lake for a peaceful paddle. Estacada Lake refers to the calm section of the Clackamas River formed by River Mill Dam. Paddlers have access to two miles of forest-lined river that extends into a deep canyon with waterfalls pouring in from the sides. It’s not uncommon to spot osprey, eagles and other wildlife from the river. Kayaks and paddleboards are available to rent at the Estacada Lake boat ramp through Labor Day Weekend. Rentals will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, six days a week (closed Tuesdays). For more information, visit clackamasriveroutfitters.com, or call 503-341-4268.

Jackson F. Kimball State Recreation Site
With a pristine setting near the headwaters of the Wood River, this small campground is only 10 miles southeast of the south entrance to Crater Lake National Park. A trail leads from the park’s campground to the site where the Wood River emerges as a spring bubbling from a rocky hillside. Bring your canoe or kayak to fully enjoy the meandering river and its beautiful forested corridor.