Kayaking the Lower Tualatin River

The Tualatin River runs from Hagg Lake, near Forest Grove, then travels through many small towns before it empties into the Willamette River at Willamette Park.

Start at the Tualatin Community Park in Tualatin and paddle down to Willamette Park in West Linn. This section offers a few miles of easy, flat water that can easily be an out-and back-if you choose not to portage over a small dam and continue down some easy whitewater to the Willamette.

The last 2 miles before it empties into the Willamette are a blast and seldom done by many people. There is an easy dam you can either go over (it is about 3 feet high and at an easy angle to go over), or you can just portage around on the SW side of the river.

Once over the dam, there are lots of fun, on-and-off, super easy little rapids all the way down to the park. Once at the park, you can either pull out or get in a few more miles by paddling up or down the Willamette.

This route has cell service the whole way. Also make sure to hit Old Town just near the park for dinner when you are done. Lots of great little places to eat.