Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 24 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge worth booking?
Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge is a 2-hour experience in Portland, United States, from $75 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 24 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (24)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $75 per person
Our kayak tours offer a unique immersion into the breathtaking Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Perfect for families spanning multiple generations, our crystal-clear waters provide an up-close view of fish darting be
What you get
About this experience
Our kayak tours offer a unique immersion into the breathtaking Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Perfect for families spanning multiple generations, our crystal-clear waters provide an up-close view of fish darting beneath your kayak, while bald eagles, osprey, and blue herons soar overhead. Experience the quintessential Northwest tradition of blackberry picking right from your kayak during midsummer excursions, adding a delightful local flavor to your adventure. What sets our tours apart is our commitment to personalized experiences. With small group sizes and expert guides, we ensure that each participant receives individual attention and gains valuable insights into the local environment and wildlife. See the Columbia Gorge from a unique perspective and embark on an adventure you'll cherish forever with Gorge Paddling Center.
What's included
Included
- Kayak, Paddle, Lifejacket, and professional guide.
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Portland
Once you cross the train tracks take your second right and follow the road to the end. You will see our shipping containers with a "Kayak Tours" banner on them.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Once you cross the train tracks take your second right and follow the road to the end. You will see our shipping containers with a "Kayak Tours" banner on them.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Gorge Paddling Center
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 24 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
24 verified traveler reviews for Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
10/10 experience.
This was really beautiful. Peaceful, relaxing. Jen was amazing and we learned so much about the area. She was very knowledgeable and an excellent tour guide! Would recommend!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Tracy! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the beauty and peacefulness of the Columbia River Gorge. I’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Jen—she loves sharing the area’s history and natural beauty with our guests. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure the next time you’re in Hood River!
via Viator
3 stars for being left behind
I was left behind even though I was on time. Also, I drove an hour there. However, I'm giving 3 stars because the person I talked to did try to help solve the issue by refunding my money and by giving me ideas for other sites near me so my trip wasn't for nothing, but I already visited all the places. He did try though, which he didn't have to I did have a scenic view back to my hotel, though. Also, it was my last full day in Portland.
Response from the operator: Hi Dawn, We’re very sorry you missed your tour. We understand how disappointing that must have been, especially after driving an hour and with it being your last full day in Portland. Our guides depart at the scheduled start time out of respect for the other guests who arrived on time, so unfortunately we aren’t always able to wait for late arrivals. While we believed the tour had already departed, we still felt it was important to provide a full refund and do our best to suggest other scenic places to visit so your trip wasn’t a complete loss. We appreciate your kind words about our efforts to help, and we’re genuinely sorry this experience didn’t work out. We wish you all the best and hope you enjoy the rest of your travels.
via Viator
Awesome experience!
Jennifer was a delightful, knowledgeable river guide! She was there to greet us early and had us fitted with life vests quickly. We saw multiple bald eagles and loved kayaking on the main river and the inlets. Make sure to use the restroom before you get there. There is a port-a-potty available that was clean but for those wanting a more familiar bathroom experience, stop beforehand.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the wonderful review! We're thrilled you had such a great time with Jennifer. She does an amazing job making guests feel welcome, comfortable, and sharing her knowledge of the area, so she'll be excited to hear your kind words. Seeing multiple bald eagles is always a special treat, and we're glad you enjoyed exploring both the Columbia River and the peaceful backwater inlets. Thank you as well for the helpful restroom tip for future guests. We appreciate you choosing to paddle with us and hope to welcome you back for another adventure the next time you're in Hood River!
via Viator
Why Have I Waited So Long to Kayak??
This was possibly the most beautiful, peaceful, relaxing experience we have ever had. The views at sunset on the Columbia River were stellar, and our guide, Blac, was patient, knowledgeable, and chill! What an amazing evening! Thanks for helping us celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary in an unforgettable way!
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Evening in the Gorge
Beautiful tour and knowledgeable guide. Perfect end to a day of hiking Falls Creek. Waters of Wind River were so clear. Our guide Blake was great with local wildlife, geology, and Native American lore. We highly recommend!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 8
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Portland.
How much does Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge cost?
+
Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Portland usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge take?
+
Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Portland is not rushed.
Is Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 24 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Portland, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge?
+
Around 8 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Portland can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Portland and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Portland within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Portland?
+
Portland's activity list is food cart and brewery crawls, Columbia River Gorge waterfall tours to Multnomah Falls, Mount Hood day trips and Willamette Valley pinot tastings. Gorge tours vary in how many falls they reach, so route detail is the deciding factor. On Outty we rank every Portland experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Full-Day Guided Oregon Coast Tour from Portland, Multnomah Falls and Columbia River Gorge Half-Day Hiking Tour, Columbia Gorge Waterfalls and Mt. Hood Tour - Full Day. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Portland?
+
June to October for the Gorge, with waterfalls at their fullest in spring. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Portland?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Sunset Kayaking in the Columbia River Gorge.
Pick your date
