Scappoose Bay (Lower Columbia)

Trip Report, Scappoose Bay, Lower Columbia, 2008
There are numerous channels coming off the main Columbia River channel near St. Helens, which sits
behind Sand Island. Scappoose Bay Kayaking is located about 3 miles east, on Scappoose Bay. From their
dock, there are numerous kayak trails that wind through back channels, where novice kayakers can go
without concern for the winds and waves prevalent in the open channel.
For this paddle, we launched on the west end of the marina in St. Helens, where there is a small parking
lot and gravel beach. We paddled upriver behind Sand Island and veered SSE into Multinomah Channel.
The wind was from the west, strong enough to produce white camps in the main channel, and give us fun
trailing waves. Weather was clear and in upper 70s. We took the Cunningham Slough (entrance behind a
small island on river left), which took us out of any wind. The slough winds through moderate banks
covered in hardwoods, vines and the occasional stand of conifers. There were some great overhanging
trees, reminding us of traveling the river in 'African Queen'. As we continued, it became 'just one more
bend - we want to see behind the next bend', but this could have continued for a very long time.
Coming back out of Cunningham Slough we paddled against a headwind, staying to the south bank as
much as possible. There are numerous floating log platforms here, which look like they've been there a
long time. We went behind one group, then had to do some interesting maneuvers between two logs to
get back out.
Had fun with head waves as we passed the marina returning to the launch; total distance about 7 miles.
We launched about 2pm, returning about 5pm.
Cunningham Slough
Logjam - finding our way out from behind log beds.