Washington

Kayaking the Lower Columbia River: Exploration and Discovery

Program No. 2288RJ
Paddle along the basalt cliffs, Sitka spruce swamps, and tidal marshes of the Columbia River estuary with experts as you improve your kayak technique and learn about this grand region.

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Protecting the Environment

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more

At a Glance

Skamokawa is the ideal starting point for exploring the lower Columbia River by kayak. Paddle in a variety of habitats, from narrow sloughs winding through Sitka spruce swamps to wide-open expanses on the estuary of the Columbia. Walk among the giant trees of an ancient coastal forest. In addition to giving professional kayak instruction, your leaders are experts in local history, geology and wildlife.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Kayaking in single or double kayaks up to six hours. No previous kayak experience necessary.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

What You'll Learn

  • Weave your way through the tidal marsh islands that comprise the 35,000-acre Lewis & Clark National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Paddle along the 90-foot cliffs and waterfalls of the Lower Gorge, or through the quiet Julia Butler Hansen Refuge.
  • Enjoy two traditional music performances with songs by and about the people of the Columbia-Pacific Region.

General Notes

Due to the nature of this program, listening devices are not available.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Andrew Emlen
Since starting Skamokawa's kayaking program in 1998, Andrew Emlen has led more than 250 Road Scholar programs. Andrew has a master's degree in environmental studies. A former instructor of environmental science, geology labs and field biology, he is well-versed on local birds, mammals, insects, plants and mushrooms. Andrew plays cello, guitar and several other instruments with his fellow local musicians during evening presentations that feature music of the lower Columbia River. He is a certified wilderness first responder.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Andrew Emlen
Andrew Emlen View biography
Since starting Skamokawa's kayaking program in 1998, Andrew Emlen has led more than 250 Road Scholar programs. Andrew has a master's degree in environmental studies. A former instructor of environmental science, geology labs and field biology, he is well-versed on local birds, mammals, insects, plants and mushrooms. Andrew plays cello, guitar and several other instruments with his fellow local musicians during evening presentations that feature music of the lower Columbia River. He is a certified wilderness first responder.
Profile Image of Kyleen Austin
Kyleen Austin View biography
Kyleen Austin has been exploring the outdoors her entire life and has led Road Scholar programs since 2014. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder and has completed the British Canoe Union’s four-star kayak sea leader training. Kyleen majored in English and music in college, worked as a worldwide marketing director for IBM, and has served with numerous nonprofit organizations as a governing board or staff member. The multitalented Kyleen is also a singer-songwriter, performing on her programs for Road Scholar.
Profile Image of Wren Hendriks
Wren Hendriks View biography
Wren Hendriks, after ten years as a traveling sailor exploring the Columbia and beyond, is happy to call the uniquely welcoming town of Cathlamet, Washington home. Born to a family of trade fishermen, Wren has spent her life living and working on the water. Her favorite way of savoring the treasures of the Lower Columbia region is on a kayak.
Profile Image of Carson Thomas
Carson Thomas View biography
Carson Thomas was born and raised in Seattle. She moved to Maryland for 4 years where she spent many hours on a kayak traveling the Chesapeake Bay, exploring its 11,000 miles of coastline. While working on her bachelor’s, Carson loved learning about human-environmental relationships and the study of place in anthropology. Carson has traveled, taught in schools, and most recently, worked as a surveyor for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. She is an avid reader, explorer, and full-time observer of the natural world.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
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Meals
14 Meals
5 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
5 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Gluten Free, Low Salt, Low Fat, Vegetarian
Lodging
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Display
Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • May 12, 2024 - May 17, 2024
  • Jun 02, 2024 - Jun 07, 2024
  • Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 21, 2024
  • Jun 30, 2024 - Jul 05, 2024
  • Jul 14, 2024 - Jul 19, 2024
  • Jul 28, 2024 - Aug 02, 2024
  • Aug 11, 2024 - Aug 16, 2024
  • Aug 25, 2024 - Aug 30, 2024
  • Sep 08, 2024 - Sep 13, 2024
  • Sep 22, 2024 - Sep 27, 2024
  • Oct 13, 2024 - Oct 18, 2024
  • Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
  • May 04, 2025 - May 09, 2025
  • Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 06, 2025
  • Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 20, 2025
  • Jul 20, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
  • Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 08, 2025
  • Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 22, 2025
  • Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 05, 2025
  • Sep 14, 2025 - Sep 19, 2025
  • Sep 28, 2025 - Oct 03, 2025
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.
5 nights
Skamokawa
Skamokawa Resort is part of a National Historic Area, with renovated buildings that date to the 1890's. It is on the Columbia River, with views across the river to Oregon. It is within easy walking distance of the sand beach and forest trail of Skamokawa Vista Park, Columbia River Kayaking's facilities and dock, and the River Life Interpretive Center.





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