Rafting and Kayaking
Kayak Instruction
- Columbia Gorge Kayak School offers weekend kayak classes for beginners.
- Wet Planet Whitewater offers rafting trips on the White Salmon and other local rivers and kayak instruction.
Shops
- The Kayak Shed is the only kayak shop in town and is quite hip.
Rafting Companies
Local Groups
- Kayak Church is a group that paddles, eats, and talks about rivers, life, and faith.
- PDX Kayaker is the local organization for paddlers in and around Portland, Oregon.
Rafting Information
One of the best ways to experience the scenic Northwest beauty of the Columbia River Gorge is to take a a guided whitewater rafting trip down one of the many magical rivers. The Columbia Gorge offers world class whitewater on a year round basis.
The volcanic rock from Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams combined with abundant rainfall make for a paddlers paradise. Everything from class V waterfall runs to beginning class II stretches can be found within a one hour drive. There are plenty of outfitters to get you on the river so there is no reason to not explore the beautiful scenery from a raft. It doesn't matter how much experience you have or how old you are, a commercial whitewater trip down one of the gorgeous Gorge rivers will provide a fun day.
Kayaking Information
The Columbia River Gorge offers world class whitewater kayaking on a year round basis. Everything from class V waterfall runs to beginning class II stretches of lazy river can be found within a one hour drive. You can rent sea kayaks, canoes, or whitewater kayaks.
You can have a relaxing float in the sun or get lessons from a local kayak instructor and work on your roll. If you want to get into a kayak and explore one of the numerous canyons, Hood River is the place to do it