Wow! Wow! Wow! Have I gotten your attention? Well, today’s kayaking adventure was absolutely perfect in every way! The weather was absolutely perfect – all sunshine and warm. All of the vegetation along the river is so incredibly green with all of the new growth. Our entire trip we were sung to by a chorus of wild birds. And finally, the river level is still fairly high, making the river extra wide with all kinds of places to explore! It was really something!
First and foremost, this is only the 2nd time I have used the Buena Vista boat ramp since they completely redid it last year. If you haven’t launched from here, it’s definitely a very usable area now. Towards the end of last year my journey ended at Buena Vista and today we began here. Both times I’ve been there, I’ve always looked around and have been super impressed. Go check it out!
As soon as you take off from the boat ramp, you immediately come across the Buena Vista Ferry. The ferry transports vehicles across the river all day long, and all year long. It closes when the river level reaches 15 feet. I’ve always enjoyed watching the ferry. I’m guessing this is also a fun adventure for kids!
As my friend and I kayaked down the river together, I kept stopping to take photos of the scenery. I’ve been kayaking for awhile now, but I’m still in awe by just how green everything gets this time of the year. It’s so incredibly gorgeous.
As I had mentioned earlier, due to the higher water level, there were channels of water here and there and we made a sharp turn to check one of them out. Well, this body of water turned out to be very interesting indeed. First and foremost, we spotted a Great Heron. We approached her/him slowly until I was close enough to get a great video and then my kayaking partner startled it to take flight. It was perfect!
I’m always completely amazed by these wondrous birds. They are so huge and yet they fly so gracefully. When they’re standing and looking at you, and they are as erect as they can get, that’s when you notice just how tall they are and then when they take flight – wowzers – their wing span is incredible! I’ve always been completely amazed by them!
The other things I noticed in this area was the vegetation. I don’t know what the name of this plant is that’s growing atop the water, but it was amazing. It was everywhere! It will all be out of the water here in another month or so. The other picture shows a type of “cattail.” I just love those plants!
I just have to say, one of the things I was most grateful for today was my paddling partner! I’ve been with folks who just want to get the miles in, or who just aren’t that interested in looking around. So, I’m grateful for a new to me kayaking partner/friend who enjoys checking things out as much as I do! Thank you! It’s so important that all of us find the most compatible person for our likes, needs, and wants. Don’t be afraid to ask someone you don’t know to kayak with you! They may be a perfect match!
OK, back to my kayaking adventure.
One of the interesting finds we made was purely by accident and also because it’s still early in the season and we could hear running water. As the current of the river moved us slowly past the noise, I could barely see running water coming from up high – it seemed a bit strange to me. My kayak partner and I decided to turn around and go back to where we heard the noise. Well, I have no idea what it is, why it is there or what it is called. But, it was interesting. There is a small body of water that allows you to kayak back closer and this is what we found.
I did an internet search, but haven’t found any more information as of yet. Maybe someone reading this article will know more information. It was actually very cool to watch and listen to. It’s just so strange because it’s not something you see out in the wild, but normally in a park. It was fun to watch anyway.
As we continued our journey down the Willamette River, and not unlike other kayaking adventures I have taken, we came across water pipes used to water agricultural farms. They both sounded as though they were running.
This led me to wonder whether farmers have to pay for water rights? A quick look on the internet revealed the answer: “What is the Oregon water law? Under Oregon law, all water belongs to the public.”
I digress!
One of the interesting sights along the Willamette River – everywhere – are these cliff sides that are slowly falling into the river. Between bad stormy winter weather and unusually high water levels, there is additional erosion every year. In fact, I remember kayaking the Willamette River last year and seeing homes where the fences were just barely still sitting on dirt. There’s just absolutely nothing that can be done about it!
You always know when you’re almost done – when you see the bridge shown below. This is the bridge just south of Independence that leads to Salem.
Today’s kayaking adventure was absolutely perfect as I’ve already mentioned! The only downfall from today’s trip was that the wind picked up only about 30 minutes after we started and we dealt with it on and off the entire time. But, my friend and I are strong paddlers and we managed without any problem. Just know that if paddling against the wind isn’t your preference, then start earlier in the morning. The wind almost always picks up in the afternoon.
Whatever you do – go get out on the water soon!
2024 – Kayak Trip #26
Hi Julie,
I was wondering how long it took to do the Buena Vista to Independence kayak ride. I see that it is 12.28 miles but just wondering in terms of time? My wife and I are thinking of doing that for the Fourth of July. Please let me know. Thanks.
Alain Brown
Hi Alain – it took us just over 2 hours. We stopped to look at a few things along the way, so we were not in a big hurry at all. I would say it was probably closer to 2.5 hours. It’s a very comfortable and easy paddle. Have fun!!! Thanks for reading my blog!