Kayak the Pacific Northwest
Welcome to Flatwater Kayak Club, a free online community for beginner and intermediate recreational kayakers.
You’re here, you’re in.
Ready for your next adventure?
We connect flatwater kayakers with incredible Pacific Northwest experiences.
What paddling adventure are you looking for?
-
Oregon kayaking
Oregon is a stunning place in the United States to flat water kayak. Explore our top kayaking routes for recreational paddling trips.
-
Washington kayaking
We’re forever searching for our new favorite flatwater kayaking destinations. Discover our current favorites in Washington.
-
Folding kayaks
You can’t beat the convenience of the lightweight, foldable, easy enough to carry from your car to the water’s edge for quick assembly.
-
River kayaking
In the Pacific Northwest, it’s important to research river paddling routes in advance to ensure your skill matches the experience. Discover great flat water river paddling routes to kayak in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. If you’re searching for calm waters and light to medium river currents, read our top picks.
-
Lake kayaking
Our region in the United States has some incredible lakes to kayak, from the famed Trillium Lake near Mt. Hood to smaller, less-known favorites of locals. Discover great places to rent a kayak on a lake, and where and when to go in Oregon and Washington.
-
Wildlife experiences
One of the things we love most is safely and ethically observing wildlife from our boat. Read about the incredible animal species you can observe in this region, and some of the wildlife we’ve spotted on our own paddling adventures.
Can kayaking help with adult loneliness? Read our article for stats, stories, and advice.
Epic mountain views. Stunning water. Wildlife at every turn. So many rainbows. Floating homes like the movies. And that Pacific Northwest green you write home about.
There’s something for every paddler, and we’ll help you find your way.
Come make your next unforgettable memory.
What is flatwater kayaking?
New to recreational kayaking, but curious about the sport and want to learn more before you give it a try? Flat water kayaking might be a great water activity for you if you want to paddle beautiful, scenic locations and calmer waters–all while getting in a good workout.
Kayaking season prep: Our top buys for 2024
Check out our 5 recent, favorite purchases to level up our fitness, strength, spirit, and gear for another year of epic Pacific Northwest flat water kayaking.
Our MOST READ kayaking articles in 2023
An in-depth round up of our top stories, tips & articles on kayaking flat water in the Pacific Northwest. If you want a glimpse on what we’re about – and what our community cares about – look for further!
2+ year review: Oru Inlet folding kayak pros & cons
Read the ultimate two-year Oru Inlet folding kayak review by our Flatwater Kayak Club founder. Over a hundred paddling hours, many kayaking miles, and calm water paddle adventures across rivers, lakes, and bays in the Pacific Northwest, is this origami kayak worth the price tag?
Travel guide for kayakers: 24 hours in Portland
Planning a trip to Oregon? Check out our tourist guide for the perfect day for kayaking fans – complete with our favorite spots to grab a cup of java, where to rent a kayak, top routes to enjoy a flatwater paddle, tourist attractions you can’t miss, and the hottest city restaurants to score a lunch or dinner reservation.
Take a sunset kayak tour
Just an hour’s drive from Portland, Oregon, is a breathtaking flatwater paddling route in the Columbia River Gorge. Learn about our experience with this guided Wind River sunset kayak tour.
Discover for yourself how kayaking can bring greater mindfulness, joy, health, gratitude, and community – just like we did.
What will you find out there?
5 top places to rent a single or double kayak
The PNW is one of the most breathtaking places in the world to enjoy flatwater kayaking. And whether you’re a visitor to the area or a resident, there are also many great local businesses that offer kayak rentals within one hour of Portland, Oregon.
Club merchandise
Show kayak love with Flatwater Kayak Club merchandise. Soft, recycled unisex t-shirts, beloved trucker hat styles, eco-friendly tote bags and more – with new products added every month.
