Guided Hikes & Paddle
9:30AM – The BIG Paddle
Be part of the BIG Paddle on Lake River Saturday morning! Join a flotilla of kayaks, paddle boards and canoes on a five mile roundtrip paddle along Lake River to the Columbia and back to the Port of Ridgefield Waterfront. $5 BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat) registration covers your entry to the guided paddle. There are limited seats available on two canoes led by Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership for $5.
Stay tuned for registration information.
Registration does NOT include a rental. Kayak, canoe or paddle board rentals must be arranged ahead of time on an individual basis. Alder Creek Kayak Ridgefield Location is conveniently located on Lake River.
OR
Join the Big Paddle with a seat on a Dragon Boat for free! No experience needed, all equipment provided.
10am – Guided Refuge Hike with Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
To celebrate National Trails Day, head on a group hike led by the Friends of the Refuge from the Port of Ridgefield through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Group hikes will take place at 10am and 1pm, no registration necessary. The Refuge will be fee free during Big Paddle.
11:30AM Guided Paddle with Alder Creek Kayak
From 11:30AM – 1PM, paddle participants will experience the sights and sounds of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, visit historical sites like where Lewis & Clark landed, and enjoy a fun guided paddle.
The guided paddle is $25 and includes kayak, paddles, and a life jacket. Reservations must be made through Alder Creek Kayak here.
1PM – Guided Refuge Hike with Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
To celebrate National Trails Day, head on a group hike led by the Friends of the Refuge from the Port of Ridgefield through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge. Group hikes will take place at 10AM and 1PM, no registration necessary. The Refuge will be fee free during Big Paddle.
1:30PM Dragon Boat Paddle with Vancouver Lake Dragon Boating
Paddle Ridgefield’s big dragon boats during the Big Paddle event! No experience needed- come give dragon boating a try! All equipment is provided. One youth ages 6+ may accompany a paddling adult. Register for a free seat here!
Waterfront Activities
8:30AM – Live Music: Traveling Day Society
Start the day off listening to Traveling Day Society drum circle as you get ready for your paddling adventure.
8:30AM – 9AM - Pre-Paddle Warm-Up
Get your heart pumping and body moving before the Big Paddle with a warm-up routine.
9AM – Opening Ceremony
Awaken the Ridgefield Dragon Boats and kick off the annual Big Paddle!
10AM – 2PM Outdoor Games
Hang out and play volleyball, 🤬, disc golf, and more on the waterfront!
11AM – 2PM Kayak Check
Don’t want to worry about transporting your kayak or paddleboard to your vehicle between paddling and enjoying the waterfront activities? Or plan to get back out on the water? No problem! Take advantage of our free “Kayak Check” and drop off your kayak (open 11am – 2pm) and we will watch over your boat while you enjoy the beer garden, beach games, music, and food! When you are ready to head out, drive your car up to the station to load up!
11AM – 2PM Live Music: TBD
Enjoy live music on the waterfront.
11AM – 3PM Beer Garden & Food Trucks
Stay tuned for detailed information.
Food Trucks
A collection of food trucks will be on site at the Waterfront.
Stay tuned for detailed information.
10AM – 2PM Free Hayride
Find your way between the Ridgefield Waterfront and Downtown Ridgefield with the free and fun transportation of the hayride! Worry less about parking and enjoy the convenient ride and get both your shopping, paddling, and playing all in a days time!
Downtown Activities
First Saturday & Ridgefield Farmers Market Vendors @ Davis Park, 9AM – 2PM
Shop for vegetables, handmade goods and more from local vendors at DAVIS PARK across from the Ridgefield Community Library.
Used Spring Book Sale – Friends of the Ridgefield Community Library @ Ridgefield Community Library 10AM – 3PM
Shop for used books and support the local library at the Friends of the Ridgefield Community Library Spring Used Book Sale.