Kayaking and canoeing are popular sports in the Willamette Valley, since it’s possible to go out during most times of the year. Both are easy to learn, can be done individually or as a group, and are appropriate for most ages. It’s a great way to see different parts of the river and its tributaries, as well as the marine life that’s hard to see when you’re on the shore. Marion and Polk counties have some great locations for paddling, since the two counties are separated by the Willamette River. There are also opportunities in lakes and reservoirs. If you are interested in exploring group boating sports, Salem has a good number of dragon boat teams and an outrigger canoe club. Beginners are welcome in these groups, and it can be a great way to meet others, exercise, and spend quality time on the water.
Willamette Water Trail
The Willamette Water Trail is a network of waterways that “spans over 200 miles (including portions of key tributaries) that provide access for paddlers to the Willamette River, or afford opportunities to camp along the river.” Over 180 miles of the trail is the Willamette. If you want to do the entire trail, it’s a four-day trip, with places to camp each night. The site also includes a variety of day itineraries that allow people to choose locations convenient to them.
Rivers and Lakes for Paddling
If you want to put your kayak or canoe into the Willamette, Wallace Marine Park is the most popular spot to start in Salem. Located on the west side of the Willamette River, it’s adjacent to the Marion Street Bridge that joins West Salem with the rest of the city. In Keizer, just north of Salem, Keizer Rapids Park is another great spot to enter the Willamette. South of Salem, Buena Vista Park has a popular boat ramp for paddlers. Moving further south along the river, in Independence, paddlers can get into the water at the North Riverfront Park.
The Silverton Reservoir and Marine Park is a 65-acre reservoir that doesn’t allow gas engines. This makes it an ideal place for paddling. Detroit Lake is another popular spot for paddling, though it is popular with all kinds of boating and water sports, making it a less tranquil destination than the Silverton Reservoir.
Kayaking in Marion and Polk Counties
Oregon Kayak Tours is the main way that people experience kayaking in Salem. The business takes people out who are beginners or intermediates and leads them through various waterways in Marion County. There are sunset paddles, day-long paddles, and a variety of other options. It’s also the place where you can rent paddleboards by the day (though not kayaks). In Independence, Independence Kayak Rentals offers a few different trips for beginners through experienced paddlers. They also rent individual kayaks so that you and a group can explore on your own.
Whitewater Rafting in Marion County
If kayaking and canoeing are a little too tame for you, the Santiam River offers whitewater rafting trips, 30 miles from Salem. Santiam Write Water Rafting offers guided trips on class II and III rapids. People ages 8 and up can join, no experience necessary.
Boating Clubs and Groups Around Salem
During the World Beat Festival that takes place yearly in late June, the dragon boat races are one of the highlights. A variety of dragon boat teams have grown up in Salem that all compete in these races. Five teams are part of the World Beat Dragon Boat Clubs and welcome adults who want to join and learn. From the Feral Unicorns, a new mixed (men and women’s) team, to the experienced women’s traveling team, the Willamette River Dragons, there is a place for anyone who wants to be part of dragon boat racing. Finally, the Peace Dragon Warriors are a mixed traveling team with lots of experience. They have a rigorous travel schedule, but are also willing to train up new members.
The Ohana O Ke Kahawai Outrigger Canoe Club is a Salem-based club for adults that brings the Pacific Islander traditional outrigger canoe to the Willamette. Members learn how to paddle the outrigger canoes and explore the Willamette and other tributaries around Marion County…