Where to Launch Paddleboards and Kayaks - Northwest Paddleboarding

This list includes a ton of great launch locations along the Columbia, Yakima and Snake rivers.
Click the locations on the map for more information, directions, and photos!

Best Launch Spots for Beginner Paddleboarders

2. Two Rivers Park
5. Bateman Island
25. Charbonneau Park

*Keep in mind that these areas are more stagnant. This makes them a great place to learn without a current but towards the end of the season they become overgrown by milfoil.

The following launch spots are also good for beginners but with some precautions.
18. Leslie Groves Park (located on the current)
3. Columbia Point Marina (in a Marina)

Best Launch Spots for Paddleboard Yoga

2. Two Rivers Park
5. Bateman Island
13. Osprey Pointe
25. Columbia Point Marina (On the West side of the Yacht Club)

Paddleboard Tour Ideas

Keep in mind that these tours are down river. You will need a second vehicle or someone available to pick you up when you are finished.

On the Columbia River

4. Leslie Groves Boat Launch to 3. Columbia Point Marina
Length: 3.5 miles
*NWP Favorite*
What to expect: Lots of boats and jetskis! The current is a bit stronger as you approach the end. The first entrance to the Marina is blocked off, but that will let you know that you are close to the end. If you go under the bridge, you’ve gone too far! There are some great restaurant options at Columbia Point for a post paddle meal/drink.

4. Leslie Groves Boat Launch to 1. Howard Amon Park
Length: 2.2 miles
What to expect: Heavy boat and jetski traffic! Slightly shorter version of the tour listed above.

23. Vernita Bridge to 21. White Bluffs
Length: 18.0 miles
*NWP Favorite*
What to expect: This is a long tour, for experienced paddlers. Little to no cell service. Little to no boat traffic. There aren’t many places to pull off and get picked up if you aren’t able to make it to the end. This is a beautiful paddle and you will see a lot of wildlife.

14. Selph Landing to 10. Chiawana Park
Length: 6.3 miles
What to expect: Moderate boat traffic.

10. Chiawana Park to 11. Wade Park
Length: 3.0 miles
What to expect: Moderate boat traffic.

8. Clover Island to 2. Two Rivers Park
Length: 4.0 miles
What to expect: Little boat traffic.

9. Blue Bridge to 8. Clover Island
Length: 2.4 miles
What to expect: Heavy boat traffic, especially as you come into Clover Island. Stay along the shoreline, especially when you get close to the light house. The water is very choppy at the edge of the island. There are some great restaurant options on Clover Island for a post paddle meal/drink.

7. Columbia Park West to 9. Blue Bridge
Length: 4.0 miles
What to expect: Moderate to little boat traffic. This is a great tour to try a day or two prior to the Water Follies Columbia Cup. You’ll be able to view the hydroplanes setting up in the pits!

5. Bateman Island to 7. Columbia Park West
Length: 2.2 miles each way
What to expect: This is a great option if you want a “there and back” paddle so you can avoid arranging multiple vehicles. Start at either location and paddle around the island and back! Warning: Bateman Island is known as the “Mud Hole” and later in the season, it lives up to it’s name. Be aware that there are a few shallow areas on this paddle.

On the Yakima River

26. Benton City to 29. Horn Rapids Park
Length: 11.0 miles
What to expect: Be aware of the Wanawish Dam! It is just below the take out at Horn Rapids Park. DO NOT miss your take out point. The water flows very quickly along this route.

31. Snively Road to 32. Hyde Road
*Discover Pass Required at entry and exit
Length: 7.5 miles
*NWP Favorite*
What to expect: Many of the locations along the Yakima are brought to us by the Tapteal Water Trail. You will see plenty of wildlife along this route! There are a few shallow sections later in the season. The take out is very easy to miss, so pay attention, it is a little ways before the Van Giesen bridge.

32. Hyde Road to 35. Duportail Bridge
*Discover Pass Required at entry and exit
Length: 3.4 miles
What to expect: Many of the locations along the Yakima are brought to us by the Tapteal Water Trail. You will see plenty of wildlife along this route! There are a few shallow sections later in the season. The take out is just before the Duportail bridge.

35. Duportail Bridge to 5. Bateman Island
*Discover Pass Required at entry
Length: 5.2 miles
What to expect: This section of the Yakima river has a very slow moving current. It almost feels like there is no current at all towards the end. As you enter the Yakima River Delta (where the Yakima River meets the Columbia River) you will notice the water get very shallow. Allow for more time than you think for this tour.

I can’t provide an exact tour duration, here’s why:
Your paddling experience can vary depending on the day! There are a lot of factors to consider, like the current (stronger in the Spring and gentler in the Fall), wind speed and direction, your paddling pace, etc.
To give you a general idea, most tours will be around 3-4 miles per hour but keep in mind that your actual time will likely differ.

Have you ever wondered…

How can I feel more stable when standing up?
Why are my feet cramping and how do I get them to stop?
How can I keep my paddleboard tracking straight?
Will I be able to get back on my paddleboard if I fall off?

You deserve to feel confident on the water. I will teach you all of this and so much more in our new ONLINE Introduction to Paddleboarding Lesson.

Learn More

This list includes a ton of great launch locations along the Columbia, Yakima and Snake rivers. Click the locations on the map for more information, directions, and photos!