Canoe and Kayak Routes of Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington
This comprehensive paddling guidebook by Phillip Jones covers 74 flat-water routes across Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington, designed for both novice and experienced paddlers. With over 20 years of regional paddling experience, Jones provides detailed information for day trips and extended journeys on rivers and lakes throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Route Coverage and Trip Details
The guide includes paddle routes on the Willamette River and its tributaries, Oregon coastal rivers, the Columbia Gorge, the lower Columbia River, the Oregon Cascades, and Southwest Washington waterways. Each of the 74 routes features complete trip information including launch locations, trip ratings, distance, optimal timing, points of interest, hazards, and portage requirements.
Trip difficulty ranges from easy outings suitable for novices with an open canoe or sea kayak to more challenging routes on streams or open water that require developed paddling skills. Most trips can be completed in a single day, with options to combine routes for multi-day adventures.
Paddling Techniques and Safety Information
Beyond route descriptions, this guidebook provides practical instruction on canoe and kayak paddling techniques, safety protocols, and capsize recovery procedures. The guide includes information on selecting appropriate canoes, kayaks, paddles, and safety equipment for different water conditions.
Additional sections cover boat transportation methods and shuttle logistics for point-to-point trips, making trip planning straightforward for both solo paddlers and groups.
