Plan Your Trip Pacific Northwest Outdoors - Washington, Oregon and the Pacific Northwest - page 87

plentiful public parks. Sea or lake kayaking is more relaxed than white-water kayak-
ing, inspiring quiet exploration of the natural world rather than rampaging through
it with a big dose of adrenaline.
On a calm lake or estuary you can usually paddle around knowing just the basic
safety fundamentals, but paddling on the ocean requires some technical know-
ledge and close attention to tides and currents. In temperate regions sea kayaking
can be a year-round activity, but summer is really when sea kayakers luxuriate in
their sport.
In Washington there is world-class kayaking on the Olympic Peninsula, in the San
Juan Islands and in Puget Sound; avid sea kayakers shouldn't miss the stunning
Cascadia Marine Trail. In British Columbia, the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve's
Broken Group Islands are kayaking heaven, but there are also great spots in the
Southern Gulf Islands and around Victoria and Tofino. Oregon has plenty of coastal
bays and inland lakes to explore, along with excellent rivers including the McKen-
zie, Deschutes and North Umpqua.
Nearly all outdoor towns and cities near large bodies of water have kayaking out-
fitters; tours and renting gear are both possible.
White-Water Kayaking & Rafting
Water gushes down from ice-capped volcanoes and spires in the Pacific Northwest, creat-
ing a play-land for white-water enthusiasts. The region's diversity of world-class river
landscapes is amazing; there's high desert, steep canyons or old-growth forest. White-
water crazies run rivers year-round, but most people come out from May until Septem-
ber.
Washington
Washington's rivers are prime time. The Upper Skagit River has great rafting opportunit-
ies, along with a chance to spot bald eagles. The Klickitat flows through remote wilder-
ness canyons, while the Tieton boasts the state's fastest white water. The White Salmon
River is known for its smorgasbord of rapids and for hosting competitions for the ex-
treme white-water elite. And let's not forget the Wenatchee and the Skykomish - both
roaring, popular rivers - while the Hoh and Elwha offer milder, scenic adventures.
Portland
There are worthy rivers relatively close to Portland, such as the Clackamas and North
Santiam (a locally known jewel). The Deschutes is another river very popular with