War canoe trips are a great way for groups of people to feel part of something they can all do together. A trip length should be determined by these general considerations. Active adults can comfortably paddle 12 to 20 miles a day. 9 to 12 year-olds are more at ease with a 4 to 8 mile trip.

Wind and currents play an important role on the progress of a trip. Some locations are more prone to these factors than others. We monitor the weather as best we can and will alter plans in favor of safety and comfort.

All trips begin with dock or shoreside safety instruction in calm waters before proceeding. Your guide may determine to postpone a trip if experience level or trip conditions deem it necessary.

POTLATCH MEAL:
A premiere event in Northwest Native American culture was the potlatch. This celebration always included a feast, trading and games. Ask about our steamed salmon meal and traditional games as possible options for your trip.

TALAPAS:
Our 42-passenger war canoe is based on the Willamette river Spring and Fall. It will be located on the Lower Columbia in late July and August. If you want a trip that is different from the base location, a relocation fee will need to be added to the trip price. A 25 person minimum is required to book a trip.

This is a certified Coast Guard inspected passenger vessel with a 42 person capacity. It is primarily paddled with 22 paddling positions, but has an auxiliary motor for safety back-up. Talapas is inspected annually by the Coast Guard to meet passenger vessel standards and carries light, sound, and fire safety equipment as well as Marine radio communication.

The construction of the Talapas is cedar with foam floatation for added safety. The design is based on the large, ocean going dugout war canoes of the northwest coast Native Americans. The Summer of 2005 marked its 25nd anniversary of service.

A 34 foot canoe with a 12 to 14 passenger capacity. It is patterned after the high bowed canoes used by Native Americans to travel along the Columbia River and Northwest coast. A small motor (electric) is used for quietly sneaking up on birds and wildlife when motion of paddles might disturb. A small outboard motor can be used to keep time schedules or allow "resting" travel.

WILLAMETTE RIVER (Boat Options: Talapas, Condor)

1. Williamette Falls Locks Trip
   This trip meets at Bernert Landing in the community of Williamette above the Williamette Falls. It proceeds through the 130 year-old National Historic navigation locks around the 50 foot high Williamette Falls. It can be done in a half day or we can continue downstream below the falls to make it a full day excursion.
2. Molalla Park (or Hebb Park) to Bernert Landing
   These trips are excellent canoe outings above Williamette Falls. They go 4 to 5 miles past old town sites and islands above Oregon City. This can be coupled with a portage through the Williamette Falls Locks to make a full day trip.
3. Jon Storm Landing (just below Sportcraft Marina) to Mary S. Young State Park
   This trip includes a trip up to view Williamette Falls. We paddle down stream from there. Lots of wildlife has adapted to the area. Osprey, Eagles, Peregrine falcon, deer, and beaver are among a few. We usually stop at Goat Island to explore a little. This is an excellent trip for school groups, or youth groups like the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts or church groups. We meet at the Jon Storm Boat dock in front of the Rivershore Motel in Oregon City.

CLACKAMAS RIVER (Boat Options: Condor, Driftboat, Sweepboat)

1. Barton to Carver or Feldheimer to Barton
   These sections are suitable for scenic canoe or driftboat fishing trips. We would meet at the Barton Park boat landing. It is to the south of highway 224 at the community of Barton.
2. Carver to Riverside Park
   We meet at Riverside Park in the town of Clackamas. A map with street address will be included in the trip planning materials.

SANDY RIVER (Boat Options: Condor, Driftboat, Sweepboat)

1. Oxbow Park to Dabney State Park (Full Day trip)
   This trip can be good for winter steelhead or fun for summer canoeing. Meet at Dabney State Park to Arrange shuttles.
2. Dabney State Park to the Columbia River
   This trip is good only if water levels permit. Low summer flows may limit canoe options.

COLUMBIA RIVER (Boat Options: Condor, Talapas, Sweepboat)

1. Miller Island Tour
   This trip begins and ends at Heritage Landing at the mouth of the Deschutes River. It focuses on the history of the Native American activities during and before the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It circumnavigates the Native American trade center of the Northwest.
   From Portland travel Interstate 84 East to the Celilo Park Exit and travel about 4 miles to Heritage landing on the West side of the Deschutes.
2. Bonneville to Beacon Rock (Half Day trip)
   This trip begins at the boat landing on Hamilton Island and ends at Beacon Rock. We often include an exploration stop at Ives Island. This trip is a favorite for youth groups. We highlight Columbia Gorge History and Geology. It can be extended into a picnic outing.
   A detailed map will be included in trip registration.
3. Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge (Half Day or Full Day)
   This is the location of one of the Lower Columbia's most poerful Native American villages. The highlight of the bird and animal activity of the refuge can be augmented with a visit to a replica of a Lower Columbia River Native American longhouse.
   A detailed map will be included in trip registration.
4. Cathlemette to Skamokawa (1 day trip)
   These two Columbia River communities are separated by a whitetailed deer wildlife refuge. A war canoe makes a prefect observation craft for approaching wildlife. The trip will begin at the Cathlamette Marina. Cathlamette is on Washington State Highway 4, Northwest of Longview.
5. Skamokawa to the John Day River in Clatsop County (2 or 3 day trip)
   This trip follows the actual Lewis and Clark Expedition Route towards their winter camp. We have a camp near Knappa, Oregon that is approximately half a mile from one of the Corps overnight stays. The trip features travel through the migratory waterfowl and Bald Eagle refuge islands of the Lower Columbia.
   All camping gear, tents, pads, and cots are provided. A variation of this trip could orginate from the Knappa camp and go out on daily excursions.
6. Fort Clatsop Canoe trip (Half or Full day)
   Get the actual feeling Lewis and Clark must have encountered traveling by canoe up the Lewis and Clark River. Meeting site can be arranged at either Astoria or Ft. Clatsop Historical Site.
   Details will be determined in the registration Packet.