Saturday morning, the BIG Paddle event at the Port begins at 10:00 with a Chinook Drumming and Blessing ceremony. Then, a flotilla of kayaks and canoes will paddle five miles round-trip along Lake River to the confluence with the Columbia River. The flotilla will include the Chinook Tribe's 30' canoe and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership's two 34' canoes.
From Noon-3pm, join us on a guided paddle! Paddle participants will experience the sights and sounds of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, a scenic and serene journey!
Ridgefield is celebrating the river on June 6th, 2026 with its 15th Annual BIG Paddle! Alder Creek is supporting the event with 1 guided paddle.
The BIG Paddle event at the Port begins at 9:00am with a Takohachi Drumming. Then, a flotilla of kayaks and canoes will paddle five miles round-trip along Lake River to the confluence with the Columbia River.
From Noon to 3pm, join us on a guided paddle! Paddle participants will experience the sights and sounds of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, a scenic and serene journey!
Get more info about the WHOLE event here: https://ridgefieldwa.us/big-paddle/
Saturday Schedule:
9:00am - Show up and get your boat ready for the BIG Paddle!
9:30am - Drum ceremony and Blessing Ceremony
10:00am - Launch the boats for the BIG Paddle!
11:30am - Return to the luanch site
11:45am - Show up and get your boat ready for OUR GUIDED PADDLE!
NOON - Launch boats for our guided paddle down Lake River
3:00pm - Return to the dock
Tours meet at 5 Mill St Ridgefield, Washington 98642
Directions: Take exit 14 off I-5, go west for 3 miles on Pioneer St/hwy 501 into Ridgefield. Follow Pioneer St through three roundabouts and two stop signs to cross the railroad tracks. Take your first left onto Mill St and park along the fence. Walk through the fence gate, down the ramp, and turn left to meet us at the floating office!
Parking: If you can park against the chain link fence, outside of marina parking, you should.
PLEASE do not park in McCuddy's private marina parking. If you are having trouble finding a space, please check with the officails on site and they can direct you to overflow parking.
We will return to the same location we launched from in Ridgefield, WA.
- Sunglasses with retention device (i.e. Croakies, Chums, etc)
- NO COTTON Synthetic top and bottom layers (thermal underwear, heavier wt. for cooler weather)
- Nylon shorts and/or swimsuit for warmer days
- Hiking style wool or synthetic socks
- Water bottle and small snack (like a power bar...)
- Towel and change of clothes for ride home
Optional Gear:
- Water proof camera
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- River shoes or booties
- Kayaks
- Paddles
- PFD's, Life Jacket
- We do not provide food or drink
The Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and often unpredictable environment. All activities are run/fun rain or shine. All programs are conditions dependent and may change at any time at our discretion. In order to keep our programs affordable a minimum number of participants may be required. If we are unable to fill a program to a minimum requirement level we reserve the right to cancel the program. A full refund will be provided in the event of a cancelled or re-scheduled activity upon request. Please allow 48 hour notice for any cancellations or changes in your reservation. Give us a call at 503-285-0464. Cancellations within 48 hours of the program are NOT refundable. To re-schedule a class you have cancelled within the restricted 48 hour period we will gladly credit you 50% towards the rescheduled class. Thank you for signing up! Please let us know if you have questions about this or any other policy here at Alder Creek.
