"Lisa Williams" <lisa_at_cadence90.com> wrote: >>This summer I'd like to take a kayaking tour, and I have my heart set on the Pacific Northwest. Any tour company recommendations?>> I only know of a couple doing tours on the Columbia, and can recommend both highly. Both are very safe and knowledgeable. One operates out of Portland; the other, out of Skamokawa, WA, a picturesque little town on the north shore of the Columbia. Both have tours for the novice, but will demand you get some training before launching on a multiday tour if you are not already familiar with basics such as wet exit, self-rescue, etc. Usually, this is handled as part of a package deal, I believe. The best tour for scenery on the Columbia is a one-way trip, allowing sampling of a greater stretch, going with the Columbia. The Portland outfitter does one or more versions of that, IIRC. They have a very highly-regarded training program in Portland. They are a cross-over shop, with a strong WW program, reflected in the composition of their Web site, right now, but email them for a brochure detailing sea kayaking trips (aldercreek_at_qwest.net). The best tour for natural history and/or wildlife would be one centered on the lower river, where there is better habitat for wildlife. The Skamokawa outfitter does heaps of that, and has a full-time naturalist on staff, and has B and B accommodations at the launch point. They also have skills classes, but do not do nearly the volume of training as the Portland group. I have no affiliation with either business, but have know both for over five years. Both are responsible paddlesport shops. Whichever you choose, you will get your money's worth. Portland: http://www.aldercreek.com/ Skamokawa (Ska-MAWK-a-way): http://www.skamokawakayak.com/ -- Dave Kruger Astoria, OR *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Jan 27 2003 - 10:43:10 PST
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