Paddle Portland with eNRG

Lower Clackamas rafting, image courtesy of eNRG Kayaking

When the weather heats up, folks flock to the water. For paddlers, that typically means hitting one of many nearby rivers. Located 20 minutes from Portland at the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette rivers in Oregon City, eNRG Kayaking offers a range of ways to enjoy the water.

For a unique and historic trip, eNRG’s 90-minute guided kayak tour of Willamette Falls embarks multiple times daily. The comfortable trek moves along the riverbank to the largest waterfall in the Pacific Northwest — second only to Niagara in the U.S. Along the way, guides weave a mix of history and insight in with the scenery, telling paddlers all about the river’s storied past, from its heyday as a logging hub to its current use as a hydroelectric energy powerhouse.

Adrenaline junkies will enjoy the longer whitewater rafting trip along the lower Clackamas River. The easy class I and II rapids bump and bounce passengers in large, inflatable rafts. Family-friendly but still exciting, this half-day outing lets you cool off and connect with nature, whether it’s the eagles soaring overhead or animals splashing on the shores.

Catching the latest wave in water sports, eNRG’s standup paddle boarding tour of the lower Willamette River mixes fitness and sightseeing as guides teach boarders to balance, stroke and steer while admiring all sorts of rare birds, bridges and scenery. Between the workout and the sightseeing, all of these tours will leave you breathless.