Portland Paddle

September 6th 2008

registration opens July 1st

The goal of Portland Paddle is to get people onto the Willamette River to learn,enjoy and foster appreciation of this great natural resource.

PUT-IN and TAKE-OUT

at the Portland Boathouse

( SE Clay St & Water Ave )

9 am to 2 pm

EVENT ITINERARY

Get on the river at the PORTLAND BOATHOUSE, paddle along the westside and explore the small beach under the Marquam Bridge.

Continue along the SOUTH WATERFRONT and see Portland’s latest riverfront development from the water. Take a break at Willamette Park.

Get back on the water and head towards ROSS ISLAND, past OAKS BOTTOM WILDLIFE REFUGE along the HOLGATE CHANNEL.

Stop at the north tip of the island to learn about future restoration plans.

Continue paddling to the EAST BANK ESPLANADE and complete the paddle back at the Boathouse.

INTERPRETATION about the natural environment and river issues will be provided, along with REFRESHMENTS along the route.

Canoes and gear will be provided FREE of charge and those with their own craft are welcome to participate. Those that use WRK canoes are required to have one adult with recent paddling EXPERIENCE.

Registered participants meet at the Portland Boathouse at 9:00 am for REGISTRATION, safety talk, gear fitting and 10 am departure time. Plan on being on the water for at least 3 hours.

Registration is required and canoes are limited.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE
While the Willamette River is primarily flat water, there are areas that can be challenging for inexperienced paddlers including eddy lines, strainers, and other craft. You need not be an expert paddler, but for your safety we do require that one participant in each craft has had some recent experience in a canoe. Please call us if you have any questions regarding your ability to join us on this trip.

RENTAL OPTIONS

Only a limited number of canoes will be available for free to participants. There are options available for renting kayaks and canoes in the Portland area.  At the following locations:

Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe              (503) 285-0464             www.aldercreek.com

Sportcraft Marina                                   (503) 656-6484             www.sportcraftmarina.com

WHAT TO BRING