Description
There are two launch locations near the pin on this map. The actual location pinned is the Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch. It is a gravel beach for non-motorized boats only. Parking is free and usually available.
Just south of the pinned location, at the end of Mill Street is a boat ramp that can be used for motorized boats. The ram for motorized boats is concrete, generally busier, and may require a parking fee.
There is a Kayak rental facility just South of this location as well as the location of occasional REI paddles/classes so it can get busy with paddle traffic near this area but traveling a bit farther in either direction will lend to dispersed crowds.
Either launch location will put you on Lake River and give you several paddling options.
Lake River follows the flow of the Columbia, thus South to North. Paddling South is upstream and Paddling North is downstream. Remember this when planning your trip and calculating return times.
For novice paddlers, I recommend heading South on Lake River. It is an easy paddle and quite beautiful with great views of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (bring binoculars if available). The return trip is downstream so it is a relaxing float. If you continue your paddle South, in ~10 miles you will end in Vancouver Lake.
From launch, turning North for a short distance will give you the option to cut back onto Bachelor Island Slough where you can circumnavigate Bachelor Island, just be aware that when you reach the southern end of Bachelor Slough you will join the Columbia River and will need to be wary of ship and larger boat traffic.
If you bypass Bachelor Island Slough headed North, you can continue to the Columbia River and from there visit Warrior Rock Lighthouse, The Lewis River, and Scappoose Bay nearby. Please note that it is best to have a topo map and be comfortable with it and a compass if planning to explore Scappoose Bay as there are many paths and it can lend to getting lost.
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