Paddling the Columbia

A Guide to all 1200 Miles of our Scenic and Historical River

John Roskelley

• Publisher: Mountaineers Books
• Year: 2014
• eBook ISBN:
  9781594857799
• Edition: 0

• Follow in the wake—literally—of Lewis and Clark!
• A planner for all 1200 miles of the river—whether in one continuous trip or in sections

Paddling the Columbia begins at the river's headwaters on Columbia Lake in British Columbia and provides comprehensive information for traveling its full 1245 miles to the Pacific. The guidebook enables serious paddlers to set a goal, like hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or climbing the Seven Summits—but on water.

The book divides the river into 34 segments, detailing put-in and take-out points, campgrounds, various land manager regulations, key riverside sites, dams and water releases, paddling times and distances, free-flowing areas, ferry schedules, and more. Introductory texts and sidebars cover local history, things to do nearby (like hot springs, hiking trails, or places to eat), as well as wildlife and scenery. Boat types and equipment are also covered. The overall tone is adventurous, funny, and introspective.

"Even if you have no intention of ever dipping a paddle in the mighty Columbia, anyone who loves the river will enjoy reading Roskelley's thoughtful insight about the river that defines a region." -- The Oregonian

Table of contents

• Paddling the Columbia: A Guide to All 1200 Miles of Our Scenic & Historical River
• Title
• Copyright
• Dedication
• Contents
• Acknowledgments
• Preface
• Source to Sea: Map of the Columbia River
• Preparing for Your Adventure
• How to Use This Guide
• Segment 1: Columbia Lake to Mica Dam
• Segment 2: Mica Dam to the US–Canada Border
• Segment 3: US–Canada Border to Chief Joseph Dam
• Segment 4: Chief Joseph Dam to McNary Dam
• Segment 5: McNary Dam to Clatsop Spit
• Resources
• Index
• About the Author