Guide to Paddling Columbia River dams Chief Joseph Dam, Wells Dam, Rock Island Dam and Rocky Reach.

[@bikemessenger7]

very excited to learn more about the columbia. on a side note : if the music bothers anyone you can turn on subtitles and mute the music.

[@columbiariverpaddlers9887]

Thanks for your helpful message. john

[@keithzweigle6166]

It was our Pleasure to have assisted with your Portage Of Wells Dam ! Happy Your trip was meet with Great Scenery , Nice weather , and Mostly calm water !!!

[@columbiariverpaddlers9887]

Thanks again!

[@jayhat]

How hard is it to paddle against the current in the Columbia? Just wondering if various locations are good for day trips without the need for dual vehicles. Like put in, paddle down somewhere, and paddle back up to the put in spot.

[@johnkuntz7718]

You can paddle any of the large lakes without much trouble, just below the dams the water is swift and really you could not paddle against the current there, and then below bonneville the current picks up for 150 miles to the coast, that would be hard to paddle against for a long period, good luck, john

[@dananorth895]

Typically 2-3 mph current, ave 2.5mph. But depends on dam releases and seasonal flow. Tide is only 2' at Portland, you almost never notice that due to dam releases. Those can raise water 4-6 ' pretty quickly.

[@LarryTC2000]

Could you paddle through the locks on any of the dams?

[@columbiariverpaddlers9887]

No, none of these 6 dams have locks so its portage around. There are 14 dams on the main stem of the Columbia from Canada to the Pacific, only 5 have locks and only 1 allows a paddler to go through the lock unattended and that's Keenleyside in Canada, the rest require a power boat assist. THanks

[@johnkuntz7718]

Only Keenleyside without a power boat assist, sorry for the delay