Columbia River Launch Points
Lower Columbia River Launch Sites click on launch site or boat ramp to get more information. |
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Located a few miles further North on Lower River Rd. past Frenchman’s Bar Regional Park is Caterpillar Island Boat. Caterpillar Island Boat is the last boat ramp on the Washington side of The Columbia until you reach Ridgefield, WA.Caterpillar Island Boat Ramp NW Lower River Road (Between mile posts 8 and 9) Vancouver, WA Directions: Exit I-5, West onto Mill Plain or Fourth Plain. Beyond Fruit Valley Rd. Mill Plain and Fourth Plain Merge into Lower River Road, continue driving West past Vancouver Lake and Frenchman’s Bar Park until you reach the boat ramp beyond the marina. |
Just west of Vancouver Lake is Bluroc Landing, Vancouver Lake’s outlet into the Columbia. This spot is a convenient take-out a few miles past The Port of Vancouver. You will have to carry your boat about 75 yards to and from the water here.Bluroc Landing, Vancouver Lake Outlet NW Lower River Road (1/3 West of Vancouver Lake) Vancouver, WA Directions: Exit I-5, West onto Mill Plain or Fourth Plain. Beyond Fruit Valley Rd. Mill Plain and Fourth Plain Merge into Lower River Road, continue driving West past Vancouver Lake. Turn into the pull-out at the first 90 degree corner 1/3 of mile past Vancouver Lake.
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If the conditions on the Columbia are not to your liking Vancouver Lake often offers more sheltered conditions. This park charges an access fee during summer months.Vancouver Lake Park 6801 NW Lower River Road Vancouver, WA 98660 Directions: Exit I-5 west onto Mill Plain or Fourth Plain. Beyond Fruit Valley Rd. Mill Plain and Fourth Plain Merge into Lower River Road, continue driving West , follow the signs to Vancouver Lake. |
Kelly Point Park Boat Ramp is about 100 yards inside of Kelly Point Park on the Northeast side of The Columbia Slough. This is a rough and relatively undeveloped boat ramp with a dirt and gravel parking lot. The Kelly Point Park boat ramp also provide access to paddling on the Columbia Slough and access through the slough to Smith and Bybee Lakes, as well as to The Willamette. Kelly Point Park N Lombard St & N Marine Dr Portland, OR 97203 |
A couple of hundred yards west of the I-5 bridge just behind The Red Lion’s Inn at The Quay is Vancouver Landing a public dock and temporary moorage area. Vancouver Landing is a nice takeout usually with plenty of parking.Vancouver Landing 100 Columbia (just behind The Inn at The Quay) Vancouver, WA 98600 Directions: Exit I-5 West onto Mill Plain or Fourth Plain. Drive West a few lights and then turn left and head South on Columbia. Continue on Columbia past Esther Short Park (with fountains and clock tower) until you pass under a mural covered railroad bridge. Turn left just past the railroad bridge and cruise to the back of the parking lots to access Vancouver Landing. |
A quarter mile East of the I-5 Bridge is another take-out option, Vancouver’s popular Waterfront Park. The park offers close access to the water but no boat ramp. Finding parking here can often be a problem.Waterfront Park 115 Columbia Way Vancouver, WA 98661 Directions: Exit I-5 West onto Mill Plain or Fourth Plain. Drive West a few lights and then turn left and head South on Columbia. Continue on Columbia past Esther Short Park (with fountains and clock tower) and under the I-5 bridge. Just past the waterfront restaurants are the two parking lots for Riverfront park, .25 miles East of the I-5 Bridge. |
Vancouver’s largest boat ramp is Marine Park just East of the old Kaiser Ship Yards where Victory Ship were built during WWII. Marine Park has a large multi lane boat ramp and a wide beach both of which function well as put-in or take-out for a paddling adventure. $4 fee per car is charged here during the summer.Marine Park SE Marine Park Way & Columbia Way Vancouver, WA 98661 Directions: Take Exit 1 on Washington State Route 14 and head south toward the river. Turn left onto Columbia Way and follow the signs to Marine Park. |
Conveniently located about half way between the I-5 and I-205 bridges, Wintler Park is the last put-in or take-out heading East on the Washington Side of the river before you reach Washougal.Winter Park 6400 Beach Drive Vancouver, WA 98661 Directions: From Washington State Route 14 eastbound take Exit 3. Turn right, then take an immediate left onto Beach Drive and proceed downhill to the park. From Washington State Route 14 westbound take Exit 3. Drive until you can make the first left onto Columbia and drive down hill. Once you have crossed SR 14 on an overpass take the next right onto Beach Drive and proceed downhill to the park. |
The North Portland Alder Creek provides river access through McCuddy’s Marina during daylight hours. This put-in and take-out is a great one to use especially if you are renting boats from Alder Creek and also has a great post paddling stop available at The Island Cafe.North Portland Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe 250 NE Tomahawk Island Dr. Portland, OR 97217 |
Located adjacent to western edge of the Portland Airport on Marine Drive are Broughton Beach and the Gleason Boat Ramp. These are both popular sites during the summer, parking can be an issue on weekends. $4 per car is charged at the Gleason Boat Ramp. Broughton Beach is free but you will have to carry your boat a little further.Gleason Boat Ramp & Broughton Beach NE 43 Ave & Marine Drive Portland, OR |
300 yards West of I-205 on Marine Drive is an undeveloped take out with abundant parking.I-205 Take-out 300 yards West of I-205 and N Marine Dr Portland, OR |
Chinook Landing Marine Park, a 67-acre marine park with six launching lanes on the Columbia River, is the largest public boating facility in Oregon. The park offers picnic and viewing areas, wetland and wildlife habitat, restrooms and a seasonal river patrol station. Chinook Landing is adjacent to Blue Lake Park and a year round $5 user fee is charged.Chinook Landing is located between Marine Drive and Sandy Boulevard off Northeast 223rd Avenue. From Interstate 84, take the Fairview exit (14) and go north on 207th Avenue to Sandy Boulevard. Turn right onto Sandy and travel east to 223rd and turn left. Proceed north to Blue Lake Road and the park. |
Located in the heart of a commercial marina, Washougal’s 3rd Street boat ramp is only occasionally used by paddlers.3rd Street Boat Ramp 3rd Street & SR 14 Washougal, WA |
Located at the 15th St. light on SR 14 in Washougal, WA. Steamboat landing is the most popular boat ramp with paddlers paddling downstream out of the gorge or looking to start a long day tour ending in Portland or Vancouver.Steamboat Landing Park 15th St. & SR 14 Washougal, WA |
Undeveloped sand beach located on Columbia River in vicinity of Reed Island. Popular 75-acre site during summer for swimming, paddling, and picnicking. Adjacent to the boat access only Reed Island Park.Cottonwood Beach 34th St & Index St Washougal, WA Directions: From Washington State Route 14 in Washougal exit on 34th St and head South toward the river. When 34th St. ends, parking is available on the left. |