Kayaking and Hiking Adventures

Cape Meares Scenic Viewpoint Starting Location: parking lot -  Point of Interest :  Lighthouse, Biggest Tree, Octopus Tree, beach Length of hike:   4 different hikes, about 4 miles total. Level :  moderate. Refuge trail is maintained, but can be a bit muddy, some steep inclines, tree roots. Bathrooms :  at main parking lot at end of road by lighthouse Parking : Decent paved lot at lighthouse, smaller lot by refuge trailhead. EV Chargers : No So 4 different trails. We started at the Octopus Tree trail since we needed to use the restroom first. Great views from the parking lot, with lots of viewpoints and information boards.  Then we drove to the other trailhead about 1/2 mile up the road (you pass it if you go to the lighthouse). We had tried to time it so that by the time we got to the beach it would be low tide. That way you can walk the whole beach if you like. Otherwise you are kinda trapped in a small beach at the end of the trail. The hike is beautiful...

 Lacamas Lake, Camas Washington. Starting Location:  Boat Ramp at Lacamas Lake Region Park Point of Interest :  lake with wildlife, trail around lake Bathrooms:  Yes Parking : Large paved lot with large boat ramp and parking for boat trailers EV Chargers : Not sure Rentals: Yes, kayaks, SUP, paddles. We visited this lake with our daughter, who lives in Portland, but comes here since it is close, and also a big beautiful lake. When you put in at the boat ramp, there is a nice section of no motor boats. Motors go to the north section of the lake. We went under the bridge to the southeast, where there is a large area for just motorless craft. A very quiet and relaxing place to kayak.

Upper Clackamas River Rafting Starting Location:  Moore Creek Boat Ramp,  East of Estacada Point of Interest :  Whitewater on the river! Length of trip:  about 7 river miles, but about 3 hours  Level:  intermediate, Class 3 and 3+ rapids Bathrooms:  Yes, at boat ramp, and changing room Parking : Decent, off road gravel EV Chargers : No This was a Father's Day gift from my family, through the Oregon River Experiences company. They provided a ride from the boat ramp to the launching site upriver, and also had wetsuits to help keep up warm. although mine didn't really fit.  The trip downriver was great! The rapids were fun, and our guide did a great job of directing us, explaining the rapids, and telling stories. They also have a photographer take pictures along the way. These pictures are from their photographer.

  Elk Flats Trail and Devil's Cauldron Overlook. Starting Location: Gravel Parking lot just north of the Short Sands parking lot (Which has bathrooms) Point of Interest :  overlook of Devil's Cauldron, access to Short Sands, views of ocean Length of hike:  about 3 miles round trip Level:  moderate, Bathrooms:  No, but short drive north to restrooms Parking : Decent, off road gravel EV Chargers : No The Trailhead is easy to find, and marked. There was a sign that the suspension bridge was out, but that bridge is all the way at the end, and does not impact the hike at all. The trail is in good shape, with lots of tree roots providing a place to step. There is a section in the wooded area that isn't very obvious at first, but if you follow the main direction, you will see the trail quickly. The trail ends at Short Sands beach, and the last part of the trail is steep switchbacks as you come down the hill, but manageable. The views are worth it. Very few people on th...