It also parallels the Santiam River—one of the most scenic stretches of water anywhere in Oregon.

Brock Browning, Santiam River manager for eNRG Kayaking, leads whitewater rafting and kayaking trips on the river. After just a few weeks of the busy 2022 season, he’d already found plenty to love: salmon swimming upstream in the crystal-clear waters beneath each boat, merganser ducks teaching their offspring to fish in the Santiam’s shallow pools, ospreys lining the shore and soaring overhead, and more. Browning sometimes goes entire days without seeing another boat or tour operator on the water. “There’s so much life here,” he says of the Santiam River. “There’s a purity to it that’s still there.”

Yet for all its natural splendor, the Santiam River is just one of many waterways around Salem and the Mid-Willamette Valley, each with their own story to tell. From the ambling Willamette River to the serene Detroit Lake high in the West Cascades, we’ve rounded up a number of popular destinations where you can get on the water this summer.

The Willamette River Water Trail begins high in the Cascade Range before coursing through the heart of the Willamette Valley and—after roughly 187 miles—emptying into the Columbia River near Portland. In the Salem and Independence area, the river runs along historic waterfronts and bustling communities—giving paddlers plenty of opportunities for exploring this stretch of the Willamette.

Salem area: Salem Kayak Rentals, the city's first-ever kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) outfitter, offers a wide range of rentals and guided tours for enjoying the Willamette River and other regional waterways. Owner Shannon Valdez (who also runs Oregon Guided Kayak Tours) says her most popular guided outing is the sunset paddle tour, which begins just before sundown and includes after-dark adventures in lighted kayaks. “You get to capture the beautiful shades of light that happen with sunset,” she says of the pristine views. “It’s just breathtaking; it’s just like paint—art in the sky.”

Independence area: One of the Mid-Willamette Valley’s newest outfitters is the family-owned-and-operated Independence Kayak Rentals, which rents sit-on-top kayaks for outings around the Independence area—available as half-day or full-day rentals. The water around Independence is slow-moving, making it ideal for beginners or paddlers looking for a relaxing outing; ospreys, bald eagles, and other wildlife make regular appearances along this quiet stretch of river.

Keizer area: Just north of Salem, Keizer Rapids Park offers a boat ramp and easy access for getting onto the Willamette River; just be sure you have your own craft. Other amenities include a dock and loaner life jacket station. Away from the water, the park hosts a variety of fun activities—including a disc golf course, off-leash dog park, a sand volleyball court, and 16 picnic tables.

In this day and age, it’s not often a destination can be accurately described as “under the radar.” But that’s just what’s happening with the Santiam River, home to epic whitewater tours and rentals through eNRG Kayaking.

The outfitter, with an office in Mill City, offers two whitewater rafting and inflatable kayaking tours of the Santiam River.

Paddlers can choose among two tours, depending on their experience and appetite for thrills. One tour, suited to beginners and those seeking a relaxing float, follows a scenic, seven-mile section of the Santiam River, with Class I-II+ rapids. For more adrenaline-fueled adventure, eNRG’S whitewater tour covers about six miles while traversing a series of Class II+ and Class III rapids.

No matter the tour, all gear is included—including paddles, life jackets, and helmets; wetsuits, dry suits, and other gear is available upon request. And those with previous whitewater experience can rent rafts and kayaks for exploring the Santiam River on their own.

Whichever you choose, chances are good you’ll have the river to yourself. Browning says that eNRG is one of a couple outfitters running the Santiam River—and that solitude helps paddlers connect with what makes the river so special. “It’s a lot more personal, quiet, and scenic,” he says of the experience. “You’re not in the hustle and bustle. You’re not on this big, crazy train of rafts going down the river.”

No mention of paddling around Salem and the West Cascades would be complete without a nod to Detroit Lake—surrounded by fir-covered forests, rolling hillsides, and plenty of room to find solitude. With so much to explore, it’s no wonder a pair of marinas offer rentals that cater to boaters and paddlers of all stripes.

The motorboat rentals at Kane's Marina (which sits where the Breitenbush River flows into Detroit Lake on its north shore) cover pontoon boats between 18 and 24 feet long. The stylish pontoons are available as daily rentals for groups looking to spend some serious time on the water; the boats fit six to 12 people, and each rental includes a tank of gas, life jackets, and a permit.

Nearby Detroit Lake Marina offers a wide range of rentals—including fishing and pleasure pontoon boats up to 24 feet long, speedy ski boats, durable fishing boats, solo and tandem kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards. Renters can even choose optional toy packages, each of which include a choice of wakeboard, kneeboard, skis, or inner tube. (Exchanges are even available throughout the day if you decide you want to try some of the other water toys.)