There’s something magical about paddleboarding the Columbia River Gorge. Maybe it’s the way the morning mist rises off the water, or how the cliffs glow golden during sunset sessions. Whatever it is, this place calls to the wild-hearted, the weekend wanderers, the post-work paddlers chasing that last hour of light. If you’re ready to trade traffic for glassy glides and turn detours into destinations, the Gorge needs to be on your list.
We’ve rounded up five unforgettable paddling spots - from tucked-away coves to epic open water - to help you embrace your next Pau Hana moment.
1. Mouth of the Wind River (Carson, WA)
If you’re new to the paddle scene or just in need of a stress-free float, the Wind River confluence is your go-to. Tucked just off the Columbia is this mellow zone near Carson, offers glassy conditions, a maze of channels, and even some old bridge arches to explore.
Why You’ll Love It:
It’s the kind of place that feels like a secret - especially at golden hour. Beginners will appreciate the calm waters, and even seasoned paddlers will enjoy weaving through the channels.
Pau Hana Pick: Bring the Big EZ Stowaway Lite if you're looking to blend stability with portability. It packs into a drybag backpack, but inflates into a full-sized board that handles chop and lets you cruise with confidence.
Good to Know:
- Launch Point: Wind River Boat Ramp (Old Hatchery Road)
- Permit: Skamania County Boat Launch permit required
- Nearby Adventure: Hike to Falls Creek Falls or hit the Carson Hot Springs afterward for a soak-and-sweat session.
2. Lake Merwin (Cresap Bay, WA)
This one’s for the explorers. Lake Merwin - fed by the Lewis River - boasts 32 miles of forest-lined shoreline and enough nooks and crannies to keep your paddle curious for hours. The clarity here is unreal, and the further you go, the quieter it gets.
Why You’ll Love It:
You can paddle for hours and still find a cove you've never seen before. It’s the perfect escape from the digital world, with enough room to ditch the crowds.
Pau Hana Pick: The Solo SUP™ Backcountry is a match made in heaven for Merwin. Hike it in. Inflate in minutes. Cruise into the hidden reaches no one else gets to.
Access & Launch Points:
- Cresap Bay Recreation Area: full facilities
- Speelyai Bay Park: more peaceful, lots of parking
- Yale Bridge Put-in: remote and rugged, ideal for solitude seekers.
3. Drano Lake (Near Stevenson, WA)
Part lake, part river delta, part wildlife haven - Drano Lake is what you get when you mix fish hatchery culture with PNW serenity. It’s a chill paddle near the mouth of the Little White Salmon River and a great place to see birds, fish, and fellow paddlers coexisting in the eddy lines.
Why You’ll Love It:
Quiet pockets near the river’s edge make for meditative mornings. Watch ducks float past as the sun climbs. But if you're into human-watching, there’s action near the Columbia confluence - fishing boats, kayakers, and river folk galore.
Pau Hana Pick: The Moon Mist TPU iSUP is our eco-conscious choice for mindful adventuring. Perfect for floating yoga, nature observation, and flowing from breath to paddle stroke.
Nearby Extras:
- Park at the Little White Salmon Fish Hatchery and walk down to the lake to launch.
- Grab a post-paddle espresso and pastry from Nativ Cafe in White Salmon.
4. The Hook (Hood River, OR)
The Hook is Hood River’s answer to “Where do I paddle when it’s windy AF?” Designed to protect wind and watersports lovers from the Gorge’s infamous gusts, this spot is a local favorite. It gives you both calm inner bay and access to rowdy outer river conditions.
Why You’ll Love It:
You can take your pick - glide in flat water or test your edge control in Gorge chop. The scenery’s epic either way. Plus, Hood River Waterfront Park is just steps away with breweries, bites, and the kind of laid-back vibe that says, “Yeah, we paddle hard and then we chill harder.”
Pau Hana Pick: Our Navio VFT is ideal here - smooth tracking in open water, ultra-stable, and built to crush distance paddles with grace.
Details:
- Free parking, rentals on-site
- Amenities: washrooms, picnic spots, BBQ grills
- Best paddling hours: Early mornings or just before sunset when the winds dip.
5. Government Cove (Cascade Locks, OR)
Government Cove might be the Gorge’s best-kept secret. It’s scenic. It’s serene. It’s the kind of place you whisper about because you don’t want it to get too popular. With protected waters, it’s a great spot for SUP newbies or solo floaters chasing peace and quiet.
Why You’ll Love It:
Towering cliffs, moss-draped trees, and hardly a ripple - except the ones your paddle leaves behind. It’s the definition of a golden-hour dreamscape.
Pau Hana Pick: Take along the Malibu Classic or the Solo SUP™ if you’re looking to rack up some miles with the freedom to stash gear under bungees and just go.
Access & Tips:
- Navigate to Herman Creek Road and park near Blackberry Beach.
- No on-site amenities, so pack what you need and paddle with purpose.
- Cap it off with a round of disc golf or a stop at Thunder Island Brewing for a Gorge-view pint.
Final Stoke
Paddling the Columbia River Gorge isn’t just about mileage or muscle. It’s about chasing moments - the kind that make you stop mid-stroke just to take it all in. Whether you’re gliding through canyon stillness or carving wind chop under sunset skies, each of these five spots brings a different flavor of freedom.
