The Columbia is a mighty river, by volume, the second-largest in North America. Its lower stretches capture the powerful flow of its thousand-mile length. Unpredictable weather, winds gusting across an expansive surface and heavy commercial shipping traffic create a unique brew of paddling hazards.

River current and tides are dynamic forces. Ebb tides increase the speed of the river downstream, while incoming tides can reverse some of the lower river's direction everywhere except in the main channel. Navigation is befuddling as islands disappear under a high tide. At low tide, boats are easily stuck in the soft mud, while high tides can wash away boats. Columbia River winds are notorious, known to swiftly transform a glassy surface into huge whitecapped waves. Afternoon and evening winds generally blow upriver in summer, downriver in winter. Fog obscures landmarks and dangerous river traffic. Winter water temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Tankers, cargo ships and barges ply the shipping channel, moving with surprising speed and quiet. Wakes can be dangerous. Perilous obstructions to be avoided include wing dams (row of pilings often submerged), deadheads and strainers (trees, stumps and branches in the water.)  Boats can be pinned, or capsized.

Special Columbia River Cautions

The Columbia River Bar
The Columbia River Bar is one of the world's most dangerous bars. Only the most experienced paddlers, paddling in excellent conditions with all appropriate safety training and equipment should paddle the Columbia River Bar.

Dredging Operations
Stay well outside of dredging setups, which include a large pipe on floats that may extend a mile or more. Yellow floating tanks mark the outside perimeter. The dredge barge and small way stations may be visible from a distance.

Sand Overhangs
Avoid sand overhangs, common along the river on islands made of dredge spoils that have eroded. While they look like appealing places to take shelter, their sudden collapse has caused a few deaths in recent years.