Ridgefield is celebrating National Trails Day on Sat., June 6with its Fourth Annual Big Paddle.
The day begins in the Big Event Tent at 9 a.m. at the Port of Ridgefield with a Chinook Drumming and Blessing ceremony. Activities for the whole family continue with a two-hour canoe, kayak or paddleboard adventure on Lake River; vendors and festivities at Paddler’s Village during and after the paddle; a Totally Awesome Scavenger Challenge around the Port and historic downtown Ridgefield; hot food choices; the Chicamarimba Band; a beer garden and an anniversary celebration.
A flotilla of kayaks and canoes will paddle 5 miles roundtrip from the Port of Ridgefield along Lake River to the confluence with the Columbia River. The flotilla will include the Chinook Tribe’s 30-foot canoe and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership’s two 34-foot canoes.
Paddle participants will experience the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and its wildlife, visit historical sites like where Lewis & Clark landed, learn about Lake River, and enjoy water healthy fun and recreation. Ridgefield Kayak is providing rental kayaks or paddleboards at a reduced rate for recreational users joining the flotilla or participants may bring their own canoe, kayak or paddleboard.
Following the paddle, there will be an anniversary celebration and toast for multiple agencies that are active in supporting the Wildlife Refuge, the water trail and other outdoor activities and the Big Paddle including Ridgefield Kayak (10 years), Cathlapotle Plankhouse (10 years), Friends of the Refuge (15 years), Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership (20 years), the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge (50 years) and the Port of Ridgefield (75 years).
More information on the event and water trails is available on the City of Ridgefield’s website at www.ci.ridgefield.wa.us (community events) or by contacting Ridgefield City Hall at (360) 887-3557 or Gail Alexander at ridgefieldkayak@comcast.net.
