River Trip #7 Kimball Island Circumnavigation

This is a great trip and can vary in length from 3.5 to 5 miles plus depending on your route. Timed correctly with the tides it can be a couple hour paddle or you can take more time and explore inside Kimball Island. Whichever direction you choose to paddle, you will paddle against the current at some point. Stay close to shore and you can beat the current. Best to launch at slack tide, 1 hour before high or low tide.

Remember the 4 W's. When planning your paddle always check wind, weather, waves and water. If wind predicted or blowing more than 10 mph DO NOT LAUNCH unless you are experienced and have proper safety gear and have practiced self and assisted rescues. When launching from the Antioch Marina, cross directly over to Kimball as quickly as possible and only if there are no ships in sight. DO NOT LINGER IN MIDDLE OF RIVER. If you see a ship, wait to cross, they travel a lot faster than they look and can not stop if you were to capsize in the middle of the river. It's only a quarter mile across but that takes the average paddler 5 to 8 minutes to travel. No matter the direction you decide to paddle, stay close to shore and keep an eye out for river otters, beaver, sea lions, raccoons and various species of waterfowl. This is an amazing time of year to paddle this area!

When temperatures cool down be sure and dress for water temperature. Wear a wetsuit or drysuit. At the very least carry spare clothes in a dry bag in case you end up in the water. Hypothermia is something that should not be taken lightly. Make sure and carry snacks and plenty of water to ensure you have plenty of energy for this paddle.

You have 2 choices when you reach the north or south end of island. You can enter Fast Slough or Cabin Slough. Cabin slough is a little longer and is adjacent to Sherman Island. If you want to explore inside Kimball, take Fast Slough and you will encounter an opening that you can paddle through and explore. There are no places to get out of your kayak inside Kimball, so be prepared to spend a lot of time in your kayak. 

On the south side of Kimball Island you will encounter multiple shipwrecks. These ships were scuttled intentionally to use as a breakwater or plug a levy failure. Paddle with caution near these vessels as there are large exposed nails just under the surface of water depending on tide height. You will also discover a very popular beach on the south side. It's a great spot to get out and stretch although you may find the area littered with garbage from boaters who decided to leave their garbage on the island instead of packing it out.

You'll find this downed tree on the southwest portion of Kimball.

Delta Kayak Adventures offers

guided tours to Kimball Island. You're welcome to join our 2 hour tour to get a glimpse of what Kimball has to offer paddlers. Longer custom length trips can also be arranged. Kayak rentals are also available to explore on your own but make sure to contact us so we can assist you with tide and current information.

The views from Kimball Island can be spectacular.