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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.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
Skamokawa, WA
Program Concludes
Skamokawa, WA
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
14 ( 5B, 4L, 5D )
Activity Level
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.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Weave your way through the tidal marsh islands that comprise the 35,000-acre Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Paddle along the 90-foot cliffs and waterfalls of the Lower Gorge, or through the quiet Julia Butler Hansen Refuge.
  • Visit Little Island Creamery on Puget Island to sample a variety of their award-winning cheeses, learn about biological farming and test your cheese-making skills.
Profile Image
Mark Whitaker
Mark Whitaker is a well-known and respected kayak guide and coach, having led more than 130 Road Scholar programs. He builds traditional Greenland-style skin-on-frame kayaks, and has led open ocean trips along the Oregon coast and coached for the West Coast Sea Kayak Symposium and other symposia. He was on the board of directors for the Institute for Sustainable Forestry and ran the institute’s Wild Iris Research and Development Hardwood Mill.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Kayaking in single or double kayaks up to six hours. No previous kayak experience necessary.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (9 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

Assurance Plan

Road Scholar's continued commitment to our participants and their well-being is exemplified whether participating on a program in the United States or on one of our International programs, every Road Scholar participant receives coverage under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan.

Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.