The John McloughlinDiscovery Paddle
Follow the route of the Oregon pioneers.
- Location: Oregon City to Milwaukee
- Frequency: Daily (Spring & Summer)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 8 miles
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- Possible Crafts: Kayaks
- Water Type: Flatwater
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- Age Limit: Greater than 12 years
- Weight Range: 50 to 300 lbs
- Self Directed$90 / person
- Guided$120 / person
- Shuttle Add-On$15 / person
- After Booking: Sign online waivers and share them with your fellow party members.
- What to Bring: Water, food, clothing that can get wet, change of clothes, rain jacket and additional layers based on weather.
- Where: 1701 Clackamette Dr. Oregon City OR 97045.
- Arrival Time: Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your start time.
- What We Provide: Kayaks, lifejacket, and a paddle. Guides are optional. Additional equipment may be purchased onsite.
- Enjoy Your Trip! Please leave a review and follow us on social media.
Why Us?

Watch the wildlife
The Willamette river is home to herons, osprey, sturgeons, sea lions, and so much more! Explore this corridor of nature within the heart of the city.

Easily Accessible
Don't have a car? No problem! Use the Metro train / bus transit system from Portland. A shuttle can be available from the Milwaukee Metro train station for an additional fee.

Walk on the Wild Side
The Willamette is home to many small islands - each with their own ecosystems. Stretch your legs and explore the unique plants and animals that live there.
Kayak the 1840’s route of discovery by John McLoughlin, the founder of Oregon City, and often referred to as the “Father of Oregon”. Explore the Willamette River transportation route used by early pioneers from Willamette Falls to Milwaukie. This 8-mile adventure takes you from the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette rivers in Oregon City downstream past Goat Island, where you can find a heron rookery on the north side. Continuing down river you will pass the large green spaces of Mary S. Young and Cedar Island Park, continuing towards Hogg Island, a perfect spot for lunch or a snack. Passing more greenspaces, Foothills and RiverVilla Park, past the manicured riverfront estates of Dunthrope, and ending just past Elk Rock Island. From here you are in walking distance to the Trimet Lightrail system and steps from downtown Milwaukie.
- Notices: Waivers must be filled out by each party member on every visit (Online prior to arrival is preferred). Parking may be limited so factor that into your arrival time. Masks are required when inside the shop.
- Customizations: Please call eNRG Kayaking at (503) 772 -1122 for large groups or other special needs and exceptions.
- Restrictions: Two person minimum. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. No alcohol allowed.
- Weather: Trips run rain or shine, except during extreme conditions.
- Cancellations: We will provide credit, free rescheduling, or a 75% refund with more than 21 days in notice. Events you cancel 14 days prior are subject to a 50% refund or credit, and cancellations occurring less than 14 days are non-refundable. We do not prorate tuition for days missed due to illness or injury. Full refunds may be issued if canceled by eNRG Kayaking.
Similar Programs

Whitewater Rafting
Enjoy a splashy scenic float on the Santiam, just an hour outside of Portland.
- eNRG Kayaking’s number one goals is to minimize risk on our trips. For this reason, eNRG Kayaking reserves the right to postpone trips due to flooding river conditions or inclement weather (high winds & lightning). We appreciate your understanding when Mother Nature decides not to cooperate with our schedule. eNRG Kayaking reserves the right to reschedule a trip due to low enrollment in a course.
FAQ
Bring warm clothing that can get wet and water to stay hydrated. Potluck snacks and additional lights are recommended. Make sure to check the weather before the event to wear appropriate clothing. Please have all party members sign online waivers prior to arrival to expedite the process.
The ability to book online closes 24 hours prior to the event start time. Online booking is also disabled when the event has reached capacity. Please call eNRG Kayaking at (503) 772 – 1122 to complete the booking process or ask for special accommodations.
We will provide credit, free rescheduling, or a 75% refund with more than 21 days in notice. Camps you cancel 14 days prior are subject to a 50% refund or credit, and cancellations occuring less than 14 days are non-refundable. We do not prorate tuition for days missed due to illness or injury.
Physical distancing will be maintained when possible. Masks will be worn when students are within 6 feet of each other. Temperatures willbe check on arrival and hand sanitizer will be available to wash hands both before and after meals. Equipment wil be washed after use. Parents will drive children to the river when possible to minimize shuttles. There will be no overnights.
Key Information (KI)
- Location: Oregon City to Milwaukee
- Frequency: Daily (Spring & Summer)
- Duration: 4 hours
- Distance: 8 miles
-
Spacer
- Possible Crafts: Kayaks
- Water Type: Flatwater
-
Spacer
- Age Limit: Greater than 12 years
- Weight Range: 50 to 300 lbs
Pricing (PR)
- Self Directed$90 / person
- Guided$120 / person
- Shuttle Add-On$15 / person
How to Prepare (HP)
- After Booking: Sign online waivers and share them with your fellow party members.
- What to Bring: Water, food, clothing that can get wet, change of clothes, rain jacket and additional layers based on weather.
- Where: 1701 Clackamette Dr. Oregon City OR 97045.
- Arrival Time: Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your start time.
- What We Provide: Kayaks, lifejacket, and a paddle. Guides are optional. Additional equipment may be purchased onsite.
- Enjoy Your Trip! Please leave a review and follow us on social media.
Summary (SU)
Kayak the 1840’s route of discovery by John McLoughlin, the founder of Oregon City, and often referred to as the “Father of Oregon”. Explore the Willamette River transportation route used by early pioneers from Willamette Falls to Milwaukie. This 8-mile adventure takes you from the confluence of the Clackamas and Willamette rivers in Oregon City downstream past Goat Island, where you can find a heron rookery on the north side. Continuing down river you will pass the large green spaces of Mary S. Young and Cedar Island Park, continuing towards Hogg Island, a perfect spot for lunch or a snack. Passing more greenspaces, Foothills and RiverVilla Park, past the manicured riverfront estates of Dunthrope, and ending just past Elk Rock Island. From here you are in walking distance to the Trimet Lightrail system and steps from downtown Milwaukie.
Additional Info (AI)
- Notices: Waivers must be filled out by each party member on every visit (Online prior to arrival is preferred). Parking may be limited so factor that into your arrival time. Masks are required when inside the shop.
- Customizations: Please call eNRG Kayaking at (503) 772 -1122 for large groups or other special needs and exceptions.
- Restrictions: Two person minimum. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. No alcohol allowed.
- Weather: Trips run rain or shine, except during extreme conditions.
- Cancellations: We will provide credit, free rescheduling, or a 75% refund with more than 21 days in notice. Events you cancel 14 days prior are subject to a 50% refund or credit, and cancellations occurring less than 14 days are non-refundable. We do not prorate tuition for days missed due to illness or injury. Full refunds may be issued if canceled by eNRG Kayaking.