Through courtesy and stewardship, paddlers can safely enjoy the Lower Columbia River Water Trail without negatively impacting other river users, fish or wildlife.
Congestion
Cargo ships, tankers, barges, fishing boats, sailboats, windsurfers, waterskiers, jetskiers, kayaks and canoes move up, down and across the river, in some places making for a crowded waterway. Paddlers should keep alert in congested areas, and be wary of fast-moving craft and their wakes. When paddling in a group, stick close together and keep to one shoreline.
"Rules of the Road"
Although the river is a busy marine highway with rules that give right of way to the boat on the right when two craft are on an intersecting course, it is generally safer for slower canoes and kayaks to concede right of way to bigger and faster craft. Keep far from commercial boats and large boats over 65 feet, which have right of way. Remember that pilots often can't see a small boat directly ahead, nor can they change course quickly to avoid a collision.
Boat Ramp Etiquette
Be courteous to fellow boaters. Boat ramps are primarily for power boaters and get crowded in good weather and during fishing seasons. If launching from a ramp, don't block the lane with vehicles, boats or gear. So that you can launch and land quickly, have your equipment organized before you pull up to the ramp.
Fishing and Hunting
Steer a good distance around the lines of people fishing from boats or from shore. During commercial gillnet season, paddle around the ends of the nets strung across the river. Be aware of local hunting seasons (generally fall and winter) and take proper care to avoid conflicts.
Respect Landownership
Assume that all property is private unless otherwise marked, and don't camp on private property without the owner's permission. All refuge lands are off-limits. Respect all No Trespassing signs.
Shoreline Ownership
Whether in Oregon or Washington, camping on the islands of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge, and Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge is specifically prohibited.
Oregon
In Oregon the beds and banks of the Columbia River and all other navigable waterways are publicly owned up to the ordinary high water or high tide line. All of Oregon's state-owned lands are open for recreation, including camping.
Washington
As proprietary manager of State-owned aquatic lands Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WADNR) has been directed to manage the lands “…for the benefit of the public.” in a manner that provides “…a balance of public benefits for all citizens of the state...” that includes:
“(1) Encouraging direct public use and access;
(2) Fostering water-dependant uses;
(3) Ensuring environmental protection; and
(4) Utilizing renewable resources.”
In addition, generating revenue in a manner consistent with subsections (1) through (4) above is seen as a public benefit.
The bedlands of the Columbia River are owned by the public and managed by WADNR. Portions of the tidelands and shorelands of the Columbia River were sold to private entities early in statehood. The public trust doctrine protects the public’s right to use the waters above all tidelands and shorelands, whether public or private, for uses such as fishing and navigation. However, please obey all signs indicating private property for the uplands abutting tidelands and shorelands.
There are some areas of State-owned aquatic lands along the Columbia River which have been filled and which now have the characteristics of dry land or uplands; these areas are open for public access using light on the land techniques and following the “pack it in pack it out” philosophy.
