A smooth, quiet paddle along Seaside’s rivers provides special opportunities for viewing wildlife, shoreline plants, and birds in their natural habitat. A blue heron may give a curious look as you pass by on the Necanicum. A bald eagle may dive through the air to grab a fish as you enter the estuary. And a duck family may float on by at any time. For rentals, Cleanline Surf, Seaside Surf Shop, and Wheel Fun Rentals provide options for water adventures.

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Suggested Routes

12th Ave to Necanicum Estuary

  • TRAIL DISTANCE

    1.28 nautical miles

  • ELEVATION GAIN

    N/A

  • Maximum elevation

    N/A

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

Park your vehicle at the Seaside cinema parking lot. You can make your way down the the river at the West end of 12th Ave bridge by the outlet mall. I started this 2 hours before low tide. The river part was no problem but as you get closer to the estuary tidal influences and wind become a factor. Depending on the tide (if you are against it) progress can be hard work.

Please make sure you are wearing a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). Banks are steep in some places on the river and the current flows faster on the outside banks. Winds and tides can also have an effect especially in the estuary. As the estuary is continually changing the river course may have changed since the last satellite photo.

Restrooms are at the northeast end of Seaside Outlet Mall.

Broadway Park to Avenue S Bridge

  • TRAIL DISTANCE

    1.65 nautical miles

  • ELEVATION GAIN

    6 ft.

  • Maximum elevation

    N/A

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

Start this route 30 minutes or so prior to high-tide.

Begin at Broadway Park landing dock next to Broadway Park on the East side of Hwy 101 in Seaside. Take the river South following a quiet and peaceful river to the Ave S bridge. After the bridge the river becomes shallow. On the right tide you might make the edge of the Millponds a little further South. At the bridge turn around and head back to Broadway Park.

A State license is required for water crafts 9ft or longer and costs $7. They can be purchased at Fred Meyer and other stores. The $7 goes to aquatic plant protection throughout the State of Oregon. Please use a personal flotation device.

Quatat Park to Ave U Bridge

  • TRAIL DISTANCE

    1.83 nautical miles

  • ELEVATION GAIN

    N/A

  • Maximum elevation

    N/A

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

Drop your kayak in the river at the boat ramp next to Quatat Park on the South side of the Seaside Convention Center where parking is also available. Paddle South along the river and under bridges to Ave U bridge at the South end of Seaside. Please wear a PFD. Restrooms – At Quatat Park.

Sunset Lake

  • TRAIL DISTANCE

    1.73 nautical miles

  • ELEVATION GAIN

    N/A

  • Maximum elevation

    N/A

  • Difficulty

    Moderate

Launch your kayak at Sunset Lake which is on Sunset Beach Lane on the West of Hwy 101. Head North up the lake. Navigate past the trees in the lake after about a half mile and continue North to the boat ramp at the North end of the lake. Take some binoculars to see a close up of the many varieties of birds on the route. Restrooms available at Sunset Lake RV Park and at Sunset Beach Fort To Sea Trail just before you reach the beach.