Head south on HWY 101 over Cape Sebastian and down to Pistol river state Park. You will see Pistol River Loop, take a left and follow it over the bridge up to Hawks’ Ranch/ Post office. Take a right on the North Bank Pistol River road. After a little more thank a mile you will see as Oregon Department of Transportation sign. Take a right and park. It’s a short carry down to Pistol River where you will find a riffle. Heading East you can paddle in some flatwater about a quarter of a mile until you get to the next riffle. The round trip is about a half a mile. Even when it’s blowing hard down at the beach the tree canopy provides a great wind break. Once you get back to the riffle pick up the board and walk over the small bar and you will find a great paddle down to the next riffle that is about a third of a mile. Round trip back makes it about .60 of a mile.
The water is flat and there is not much of a current. Combine that with the lack of wind and you have a perfect starter paddle. When I did this in July the water was warm and waste deep. This would make a great time with one of the soft tops and the kids.
