The river moves
The Columbia has current. Drifting away from the dock is easy, and coming back takes more effort, so plan your time and energy for the return trip.
Big boats, big wakes
Barges and powerboats share the river. Their wakes can reach you after they pass, so keep an eye out and give them plenty of room.
Cold water, even in summer
The river stays cold on hot days. A sudden fall into cold water can take your breath away. This is called cold water shock.
Vest on, leash on
Every rental includes a life vest and a leash. Wear the vest, not just carry it. Keep the leash attached so your board stays with you if you fall.
Where to paddle
Stay within North Portland Harbor at all times. Head upriver first, so the trip back is with the current.
Before you go
Renters must be 18 or older. Anyone under 18 needs to be with an adult, and riders must be at least 12.
The last rental goes out 3 hours before we close, and boards are due back 1 hour before closing. Hours change by season, so call ahead to confirm today's hours.
Rentals close for the season on November 1 and reopen May 1. Call ahead during the closure.
- Board
- Paddle
- Fin
- Leash
- Life vest
- Dry bag
Questions people ask
Is it safe to paddleboard on the Columbia River?
It can be, with river awareness. The Columbia moves, shares space with big boats, and stays cold even in summer, so Cascade Paddle Boards keeps renters within North Portland Harbor, has you head upriver first, and includes a life vest and leash with every rental.
Is paddling the Columbia River different from paddling a lake?
Yes. The Columbia isn't a lake. It has current, barges and powerboats share the water, and it stays cold even in summer. Cascade Paddle Boards keeps renters within North Portland Harbor and has you head upriver first, so the trip back is with the current.
What should I do if I fall off the board?
Keep the leash attached so your board stays with you, then climb back on and keep paddling.
Where can I paddle safely from the dock?
Stay within North Portland Harbor at all times. Head upriver first, so the trip back is with the current.
What safety gear is included with a rental?
Every rental includes a life vest and a leash, along with a board, paddle, fin and dry bag. Wear the vest instead of just carrying it.
Who can rent, and when are rentals open?
Renters must be 18 or older (riders at least 12). Hours change by season, so call ahead to confirm today's hours. Rentals close for the season on November 1 and reopen May 1.
Book online, or just call.
Related guides
- Rentals · First TimeFirst time paddleboarding: what to expect
Your first rental with Cascade Paddle Boards starts with a waiver at the shop, then a board, paddle, fin, leash, life vest and dry bag, no deposit required. You launch from the Jantzen Fuel Depot dock on Hayden Island, stay within North Portland Harbor, and head upriver first so the trip back is easier. Anyone 18 or older can rent (riders must be at least 12), and you don't need any experience to go.
Rentals · North Portland HarborPaddling North Portland HarborYes. You can paddle North Portland Harbor from the Jantzen Fuel Depot dock on Hayden Island with a Cascade Paddle Boards rental, and paddle through one of the largest collections of floating homes in the United States. Rentals start at $35 for 2 hours.
- Rentals · Hayden IslandPaddleboard rentals in Portland, on the Columbia
Cascade Paddle Boards rents stand up paddleboards from the Jantzen Fuel Depot dock on Hayden Island, Portland, right on the Columbia River. A board, paddle, fin, leash, life vest and dry bag are included for $35 per 2 hours or $50 per 4 hours, with no deposit required.