Kayaking & Canoeing in Vancouver, WA

Grab your paddle and head to the water! The calm, shallow waters of Vancouver Lake create an ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing, and standup paddleboarding. Also home to masters and collegiate rowing competitions, the lake offers two and a half miles of sandy shore and picnicking grounds to enjoy when you are back on land.

Another local favorite, Lacamas Lake has two boat ramps available to the public. On a sunny day, canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, rafts, and all manner of floating devices dot the long, narrow body of water. Fishing for bass, bluegill, and perch in the adjoining waters of Round Lake also keeps boaters busy. For those without boating gear, Sweetwater SUP Rentals offer premier standup paddleboards and kayak rental services at Heritage Park.

Travel less than 20 miles north to the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for a relaxing wildlife paddle. A water route borders the refuge with close-up views of waterfowl migrating through the wetlands. Borrow a vessel from Ridgefield Kayak Rentals.

If paddling through calm lake waters does not fuel your boating impulse, experience the whitewater rush of Sunset Falls. Located on the East Fork Lewis River, Sunset Falls kicks off a four mile-long sequence of six distinct class III and IV rapids. The rapids sequence culminates with the most challenging run, Horseshoe Falls, but experienced kayakers will enjoy the classic waterfall drop. The river is accessible to rafters from the Sunset Falls Campgrounds, which has 18 standard campsites available to overnight visitors.