If the prospect of a mid-summer heatwave is already getting you down, perhaps it’s time for a cool retreat that’s easy to find. There’s a bonus too: it’s mere minutes from Portland where boaters and hikers alike will feel a million miles away “along and on” Sauvie Island.
Trying something new and risky takes courage, but if you’re convinced that it’s right for you, the risk can often pay off with unique adventures.
We joined paddler Steve Gibons, his wife, Bonnie, and a half dozen other adventurers for a daylong kayaking excursion. Many of our fellow paddlers were relative newcomers to this stretch of Multnomah Channel at Scappoose Bay; a place where tide and weather can change in a heartbeat.
But on this gentle summer’s day, the bay and the nearby Columbia River were smooth and calm, so no need for us to worry.
“We’re going to paddle out of Scappoose Bay and down the channel,” explained Gibons, a longtime paddler and former kayaking guide. “Our ultimate goal will be the northern end of Sauvie Island and a beautiful little area called Cunningham Slough. Remember, this is not an Olympic event; it’s all about taking our time and enjoying the wildlife that’s in the bay itself.”
Finding a comfort zone on the glassy water came easy on a day that was filled with summer’s glory — clear skies, a gentle breeze and outgoing tide to ease our downriver journey.
More importantly, our small group of paddlers seemed to have the river all to ourselves on a stretch of Columbia River backwater that’s largely overlooked.
“I can’t tell you how many times people come out and say, ‘I can’t believe this is only 25 miles away. I feel like I’ve gone to someplace that would require days to get to,” added Gibons.
Sea kayaks draw only four inches of water so we had easy access into tiny bays and sloughs, giving us the opportunity to see many different wildlife species like herons, eagles, osprey and black tail deer.
Bonnie Gibons offered: “Kayaking is the best way to experience wildlife because we are so quiet and can slowly paddle our way up close. Especially in the Sauvie Island-Scappoose Bay area – you can go for miles and miles. It’s a kayaking mecca!”
It is certainly that — and much more. You can schedule a kayak tour with Scappoose Bay Paddling Center.
If there is a more underrated Oregon State Park than Wapato Greenway Access State Park on the 16-mile long Sauvie Island, I certainly do not know where it’s tucked away!
Wapato Greenway is 88 acres of natural parkland with 2 miles of looped-trail, according to Oregon State Parks Ranger John Mullen. “To some degree, it’s the peacefulness of the place that draws visitors. There’s not a lot of hub-bub out here and it’s close enough to Portland you feel like you’re getting away even though you’re right next door.”
The site was once called Virginia Lake but was renamed when Oregon St Parks took over management in the 1970’s. But long before then, Native Americans lived in the area and grew the namesake Wapato plant.
“It’s a green-arrow-shaped leaf plant that grows in the wetlands and native people would cultivate it by planting the bulbs in dispersed areas,” noted Mullen. “It’s been diminished quite a bit by invasive reed canary grass but in many of these areas it’s been coming back.”
Wapato blooms with small clusters of white flowers this time of year and it was harvested by natives in the fall. The plant was prized for its tuber — similar to a potato — and was a critical staple item in native people’s diets.
“It’s a lovely view and there’s a bench you can sit on — we also provide a picnic shelter area for a larger group to gather. Plus, the trail is really easy to walk,” said Mullen. “Basically all you hear are the songbirds or the breeze through the leaves. A great place to visit!”
Oh, it is that and so much more — so hurry here soon and discover a state parkland that will fill you with pride.
