Willapa Bay in Washington

Trip Overview

Willapa Bay - East side of Long Island

A fun and easy paddle on Willapa Bay with less wind and waves than Nahcotta. Put in at the boat launch at the south end of the Bay and paddle up the eastern side of the Long Island.

If you go in before high tide and paddle north there are creeks which appear that you can paddle up into the Island. Watch which way the sea grass is bending because the creeks empty fast as the tide goes out. You will be paddling against the tide both ways, unless you go North around the tip of the Island and come out at Nahcotta.

This is a 9 to 10 mile paddle and the winds and chop can be nasty when you cross the main channel to Nahcotta. There are many places to get out and stretch or eat lunch on the Island. If you plan to do the longer paddle start early and watch the tides and wind prediction.

A short but pretty paddle is to put in at Oysterville on the incoming tide and paddle to Nahcotta with the wind at your back. About 4 to 5 miles but quick when the wind and tide are with you. At Oysterville you drive down a dirt lane past the Oysterville pier and put in on tidal flats. I always park my car back up by the pier in case of unusual tidal event (!). If you do this be fast as the incoming tide can claim your kayak in just a few minutes while you are away. This is an easy paddle great for taking beginners on a bright sunny day.

Accommodations:

Lots of places to stay and camp in and around Longbeach and many great restaurants including The Pickled Fish (view), Nancy and Jamella's, the Depot, Bailey's in Nahcotta for breakfast and lunch, the Full Circle Cafe and Yarn Shop in Ocean Park, and many more.

Fees:

Fee to use the boat launch at Nahcotta is $2 for kayaks and canoes.

Directions:

Cross the Megler Bridge from Astoria Oregon, go North up Sandridge Road to Nahcotta. You will see small sign for public boat launch at the Harbor. Oysterville is a further 5 miles up Sandridge Rd. To get to South end of Willapa Bay turn right towards Naselle and Raymond rather than left toward Ilwaco and Longbeach. I advise google maps between Chinook and the beginning of Sandridge Road as there are several jogs in the road.

Resources:

I recommend the NOAA Bouy and Tide App and the Predict the Wind App for paddling in Willapa Bay.