Portland, OR: Columbia Slough
This kid-friendly paddle explores the narrow waterways of the Columbia Slough where heaps of birds and wildlife hide along the brushy banks.
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-Mapped by Joe Kurmaskie
Trail Facts
- Distance: 2.0
Waypoints
CST001
Location: 45.5551834106445, -122.490531921387
From lot, go L and down a gentle slope to wooden dock
CST002
Location: 45.5552825927734, -122.488716125488
Launch boat and paddle E, tracing Upper Slough to Fairview Lake. Muddy shoreline lined with oaksand alders.
CST003
Location: 45.5550994873047, -122.485633850098
Swing boat S
CST004
Location: 45.5531349182129, -122.48503112793
Paddle under a bridge overpass; herons hide in cattail-lined banks
Optional: Jog R to explore side channel with small eddies and cottonwoods
CST005
Location: 45.5522842407227, -122.484985351562
Slough widens; dragonflies dart around; wildflowers on banks
CST006
Location: 45.5507316589356, -122.484367370605
Paddle to R of island into Fairview Lake; look for mouth of Fairview Creek during high season (winter and spring) on the R. Backtrack to WPT 3 and continue NW
CST007
Location: 45.5556488037109, -122.486503601074
Turn R into channel (heading N)
CST008
Location: 45.5581016540527, -122.481552124023
Drift along elder- and dogwood-shaded stretch; river is deeper and runs slightly faster. Kingfishers, turtles, and wood ducks all around. Follow to dam, then backtrack to WPT 7 and turn R back to dock
CST009
Location: 45.5553321838379, -122.496047973633
Explore more: From dock, head W to find plenty more creatures (green frogs, waterfowl). Paddleas far as you want (up to 12 more mi.), but a good turnaround point is @ entrance to Johnson Lake
