eNRG Kayaking

You push off from a steady floating dock into a surprisingly quiet slice of the Willamette. eNRG Kayaking runs slow, expert-led trips that feel equal parts outing and history lesson. Guides named Kurt, Lee and Chris steer small groups toward the base of Willamette Falls, narrating Native American stories, mill-era industry and wildlife with a storyteller's cadence. The pace is deliberately mellow, ideal for first-timers who need a quick refresher and for locals who want to see the falls from water level. Launch and landing are effortless, boats are well-kept, and the crew's local lore turns a simple paddle into a neighborhood ritual. After the tour it's common to stroll to nearby food carts for cheap, excellent grub. For visitors this is an intimate, uncrowded way to touch Portland's working-river past; for residents it acts as a community connector that keeps local history alive while making the river approachable and fun.