- Scenic Tour of the waters surrounding the National Wildlife Refuge
- View wildlife in their natural environment from the seat of your own kayak!
- Learn to find your way around the river and the basic "rules of the road"
- Learn some fun historical and ecological facts about the area as you paddle.
- Get some excercise while having some FUN!
Come paddle through the winding waterways of the Columbia River Water Trail looking for inhabitants of the National Wildlife Refuge! We will focus on easy paddling areas with the best chances to see beavers, muskrats, deer, ducks, eagles, cormorants, tundra swans, herons, and soo much more! A variety of birds and wildlife are often seen as we slip around the puzzle pieces of land and explore paths once traveled by native tribes and Lewis and Clark. This 3 hour flat water tour is a terrific way to experience the beauty of the river even if you haven't paddled much before. For more paddling instruction and focus on skill building be sure to also check out our "Learn to Kayak Tour" too!
Tours run 9:30 am to 12:30 pm meet at the Boathouse about 9:15 am, some routes we may take but are not limited to are --
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. There is no fee to park along the fence.
PLEASE do not park in McCuddy's private marina parking. If you are having trouble finding a space, please check with us inside the shop and we can direct you to overflow parking. OR you can simply pay the parking fee to use the paved lot. The pay machine is by the restrooms.
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
- Rain Jacket
Optional Gear:
- Water proof camera
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- River shoes or booties
- Kayaks
- Paddles
- PFD's, Life Jacket
- Our great guides!
Gratuity: It's NEVER expected but always appreciated. If you feel your coaches / guides have done an exceptional job and made your experience a memorable one, then you can certainly show your appreciation by giving a tip.
If your coach / guide was so exceptional that you want him or her to be your guide on all future trips, simply request them at the time you make your reservation. While we cannot promise he/she will be available, we will do everything in our power to accommodate your request.
- We do not provide food or drink.
The Pacific Northwest is a dynamic and often unpredictable environment. All activities are run 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.
