Best Places to Kayak Near Vancouver, WA

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Vancouver, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby14 Rivers8 Canals6 Lakes
← All paddling in Washington

Top Picks Near Vancouver

A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.1

Brown's Landing Court

Standout kayak fishing on Multnomah Channel

CanalBeginner11 mi away
A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.2

Gilbert River

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

CanalBeginner12 mi away
A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.3

Happy Rock Moorage Inc.

Just 10 miles from Vancouver — the closest quality launch

CanalBeginner10 mi away
a person in a kayak on a body of water

Marine Park (Vancouver)

Washington · 3.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

M. James Gleason

Oregon · 4.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.

Columbia Slough

Oregon · 4.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white boat on river during daytime

Cathedral Park

Oregon · 5.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white boat on river during daytime

Swan Island

Oregon · 5.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Solo kayaker on a misty river through old-growth Pacific Northwest forest

Langsdorf Landing

Washington · 5.8 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

Fred's Marina

Oregon · 6.2 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.

Cassidy

Oregon · 6.5 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by a forest

Sauvie Island

Oregon · 7.7 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a couple of boats floating on top of a lake

Sturgeon Lake

Oregon · 7.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.

Happy Rock Moorage Inc.

Oregon · 9.8 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Group of kayakers paddling through an urban canal with city skyline

Rocky Pointe Marina

Oregon · 9.9 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water surrounded by a forest

Big Oak Marina

Oregon · 10.1 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.

Brown's Landing Court

Oregon · 10.6 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Solo kayaker on a misty river through old-growth Pacific Northwest forest

Willamette Park

Oregon · 11.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.

Gilbert River

Oregon · 11.8 mi

CanalKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Solo kayaker on a misty river through old-growth Pacific Northwest forest

Big Eddy Marina

Oregon · 12.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a person in a kayak paddling down a river

City Marina - Ridgefield

Washington · 12.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Solo kayaker on a misty river through old-growth Pacific Northwest forest

Daybreak Park

Washington · 12.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A serene lake underneath a cloudy sky.

Blue Lake Park

Oregon · 12.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
A red kayak in the middle of a river

Lacamas Lake

Washington · 12.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
red and white boat on river during daytime

Chinook Landing Marine Park

Oregon · 12.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a blue kayak in the water with trees in the background

Milwaukie Riverfront Park

Oregon · 13.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayaker paddling across a calm bay at sunset with mountains in the background

Scappoose Bay Marina Park

Oregon · 14.9 mi

BayKayakingSUPBeginner
Solo kayaker on a misty river through old-growth Pacific Northwest forest

Port of Camas - Washougal

Washington · 15.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Solo kayaker on a misty river through old-growth Pacific Northwest forest

Pekin Ferry

Washington · 15.8 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a river with trees on the side

Paradise Point State Park

Washington · 16.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by lush green forest

Lewis and Clark State Park

Oregon · 16.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Two paddleboarders on a serene mountain lake at sunset

Three Mile

Washington · 16.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside river during daytime

St. Helens Marina

Oregon · 16.6 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Vancouver.

Ridgefield, WA10 miBrush Prairie, WA11 miBattle Ground, WA13 miBeaverton, OR13 miCamas, WA13 miScappoose, OR13 miFairview, OR14 miPortland, OR14 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Vancouver, WA?

Top picks near Vancouver include Brown's Landing Court, Gilbert River, Happy Rock Moorage Inc.. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on rivers, canals, lakes.

What types of paddling can I do near Vancouver?

Near Vancouver you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Vancouver?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Vancouver are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.