WHY PADDLE HERE? – For adventure, history and coastal scenic beauty.
THE PADDLING ROUTE – Launch from the East End beach boat ramp, turn right and you will see Fort Gorges in the distance. It is approximately a 1mi/1.6km paddle to the fort. Once nearing the fort, look for the American flag to guide you to the easiest place to land.
CAUTIONS! – Tides, waves, strong/confused currents, fog, rapidly changing weather conditions and frequent large boat traffic. Do not attempt this trip if you are not an experienced kayaker with self-rescue skills. If this is the case, I highly recommend you engage the services of a kayak touring company. Although I have never paddled with them, Portland Paddle has a seasonal location at the East End Beach boat launch parking lot.
LAUNCH & PARKING – For East End Beach boat launch policies including parking and launch fees, Click Here.
RESTROOMS – Yes, public restrooms are located in the parking lot.
WHEN TO VISIT – Plan your visit with weather and tides in mind. Portland is a very busy tourist area and on beautiful days the parking lot fills up fast.
US HARBORS TIDE CHART – Click Here –
US HARBORS LINK – Click Here.
DIRECTIONS – Click Here.