The Estuary Partnership’s two Big Canoes are truly unique boats. While modeled after historical Voyageur canoes, these are thoroughly modern. The 34-foot, fiberglass boats are unbelievably stable, incredibly maneuverable, and each is capable of seating up to 18 people.  

“The scenery was very beautiful and peaceful.  I saw birds that I had never seen before and learned things about them that I hadn't known.” Chloe, Student, West Sylvan Middle School

Whether you are a teacher, troop or youth leader, or interested in a corporate or staff outing , big canoe trips offer exciting opportunities to learn about and explore an incredible river system not far from the Portland/Vancouver area.

Trips start and end at the Ridgefield Boat Ramp – only 20 miles Nor th of Portland on I-5 and 3 miles west from the Ridgefield I-5 exit.  The boat ramp provides an easy and convenient bus drop-off point.

To view a series of photos of students paddling click Photos 1, Photos 2.
To view the Esutary Partnership's On-River Safety Protocols, click Safety.
To view an aerial photo of the Ridgefield/Lake River area, click View Larger Map

Teachers
Troop and Youth Leaders
Corporate or Staff Outings

“The students enjoyed actually doing science in the field, ONLY with your help could we have made this happen - good times!”  Jason Hieggelke, Teacher, West Sylvan Middle School

Teachers
Looking for a way to connect students to the lower Columbia River?
Want to measure water quality while actually on the water?
Looking for a safe, unique, free, one of a kind teambuilding field trip?

Schedule an Educational On-River Field Trip in our Big Canoes!

Educational On-River Field Trips are suitable for students from second grade through high school. Trips start and end at the Ridgefield Boat Ramp on Lake River. Students paddle down Lake River to near its confluence with the lower Columbia River. Along the way, they may measure water quality, learn about the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge and the surrounding geography, see a host of different birds and other wildlife, as well as learn paddling and water safety skills and some history about the fur trading voyageurs who paddled the original birch bark canoes.

Water quality and wildlife studies are a natural fit for on-river trips through the Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge, but Estuary Partnership Educators are happy to work with you to create a unique trip appropriate for your class.

Interested in a two class field trip? Class one can spend the morning paddling the Big Canoes while class two tests water quality and studies macroinvertebrates at Gee Creek in nearby Abrahms Park. Classes simply switch stations in the afternoon, with easy bus drop-off at the ramp and the park.

Educational On-River Field Trips are free and the Estuary Partnership is now scheduling trips. For more information or to schedule an Educational On-River Field Trip, contact Jennie Boyd (503.226.1565 ext. 222).

Troop and Youth Leaders
Big canoe trips with girl scouts, boy scouts or other youth groups offer many possibilities.  Extended trips and service work are possible. Please contact Jennie Boyd (503.226.1565. ext. 222) for more information.

Corporate or Staff Outings
Businesses can schedule a Big Canoe trip to thank staff for work well done or encourage staff camaraderie while learning about the beautiful lower Columbia River. Donors to the Estuary Partnership who contribute $2,500 or recieve a Big Canoe trip for approximately 15 people. For more information about scheduling a business or corporate trip, or about making a donation, contact Carolyn Myers Lindberg (503.226.1565 ext. 232).

"It was a very educational and engaging experience. I would totally come again. Plus, I got fresh air and exercise. Thank you so much for making this trip possible for our school." Catherine, Student, West Sylvan Middle School