Big Paddle

Big Paddle Join a flotilla of kayaks, canoes and SUPs for a tour on Lake
River. Managed by City of Ridgefield

On Thursday, May 28 Mayor Cole proclaimed June 2026 "Great Outdoors Month", a time to celebrate the parks, trails, water...
06/09/2026

On Thursday, May 28 Mayor Cole proclaimed June 2026 "Great Outdoors Month", a time to celebrate the parks, trails, waterways, and natural spaces that make Ridgefield and Southwest Washington such special places to live and visit.

Getting outside supports our physical, mental, and emotional well-being, and there are countless ways to connect with nature throughout the month. The Lower Columbia Nature Network connects regional partners to provide outdoor recreation, volunteer opportunities, educational programs, and community events that help people explore and enjoy the outdoors.

From Dragon Boat rides, Ridgefield's annual Big Paddle Waterfront Festival, and stewardship projects to hiking, fishing, paddling, and local trail adventures, there is something for everyone. As we celebrate National Get Outdoors Day on June 13, we encourage residents and visitors alike to discover a new outdoor experience and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us all month long.

We were overwhelmed by the way our community showed up. You supported local vendors, gathered for crafts and games, and ...
06/09/2026

We were overwhelmed by the way our community showed up. You supported local vendors, gathered for crafts and games, and enjoyed great live music from Hit Machine. While we would have loved to celebrate on the waterfront, this turnout was a great reminder that our community is truly what makes First Saturdays special.

Your support, flexibility, and enthusiasm turned an unexpected change into a day full of connection and celebration. We’re grateful for this community and look forward to seeing you at next year's Big Paddle Waterfront Festival on Saturday June 5, 2027.

WEATHER UPDATE: Big Paddle Waterfront Festival ChangesGather your friends and family and join us for a modified Big Padd...
06/05/2026

WEATHER UPDATE: Big Paddle Waterfront Festival Changes

Gather your friends and family and join us for a modified Big Paddle Downtown Festival, featuring a concert, kids activities and beer garden at the Greely Building and the Ridgefield Farmers Market and First Saturday vendors at Davis Park.

Due to the potential for lightning, have made some adjustments to keep everyone safe, comfortable and dry.

The paddle on Lake River has been CANCELED, but we hope you will join us in a different kind of celebration downtown. Come make the most of a stormy Saturday!

Here is what you will find at the Greely Building in downtown Ridgefield (304 Pioneer Street) tomorrow:

Live Music: Hit Machine will perform in the Greely Building from 11 AM to 2:30 PM

Food Vendors: The Ridgefield Lions Club will be serving breakfast sandwiches starting at 9 AM and will shift to lunch service at 11 AM and Eight Cow Creamery will serve ice cream starting at 10 AM.

Beer Garden: The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce beer garden will be stationed at the Greely Building.

Airbrush Tattoos: FREE airbrush tattoos will be available with Mystique's Fancy Faces at the Greely Building from 10 AM to 1 PM

Slime Making: Toys on Main will be hosting a Slime Making table activity at the Greely Building from 10 AM until 1 PM

Crafts & Family Activities: coloring sheets and other fun crafts will be available for children and event guests at the Greely Building from 9 AM to 1 PM

Admission is FREE. Food, beverages and slime making activity available for purchase.

Updated Big Paddle Waterfront Festival event details and schedule of events can be found at our website: https://www.ridgefieldwa.us/302/Big-Paddle-Waterfront-Festival

Celebrate with us on Saturday, June 6!The water trail isn't the only trail to explore at the Big Paddle. Join the Frie...
06/05/2026

Celebrate with us on Saturday, June 6!

The water trail isn't the only trail to explore at the Big Paddle. Join the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for a guided walk, enjoy a self guided hike or find a trail in Ridgefield.

Join the nationwide movement to give back to trails and build a world where everyone feels welcome and has access to enjoy the great outdoors.

Find a local trail on our website: https://ridgefieldwa.us/218/Find-a-Trail?fbclid=IwY2xjawRvJfJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzc3B0R1p4THZTNzlWSGFOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjUeEeFYx6jk59XkV6LV0ZTQmoVFdLRmEY1EyYtPG2YXzxOuTqds1ujiQb2Z_aem_srzX6GBTVoyXq7dn2umgWg

See you in TWO DAYS!KNOW BEFORE YOU FLOAT:Plan ahead and be prepared to safely enjoy your paddling experience.1. Prepare...
06/04/2026

See you in TWO DAYS!

KNOW BEFORE YOU FLOAT:

Plan ahead and be prepared to safely enjoy your paddling experience.

1. Prepare a float plan. Inform others of your trip and expected return time.

2. Always wear a properly fitted personal flotation device.

3. Do not paddle alone.

4. Learn about your route in advance, especially potential hazards and emergency access.

5. Know the weather forecast. If you experience sudden temperature drops, increasing and volatile winds or darkening clouds, get off the water.

6. Carry food and water adequate for your trip length.

7. Maintain distance between your boat and objects in the water, including motorboats, which may cause waves that could capsize a canoe or kayak.

8. Position your boat perpendicular to an approaching wake.

9. Never float or paddle over a fallen tree or other obstruction.

10. Learn how to self-rescue in the event of capsize.

Find more details about our Big Paddle Waterfront Festival, including floater registration and paddling etiquette tips, at the event website: https://www.ridgefieldwa.us/302/Big-Paddle-Waterfront-Festival

Don't forget to join First Saturday & Ridgefield Farmers Market Vendors at Davis Park from 9 AM – 2 PM on Saturday June ...
05/29/2026

Don't forget to join First Saturday & Ridgefield Farmers Market Vendors at Davis Park from 9 AM – 2 PM on Saturday June 6. Whether you're joining us on the water or in our beautiful downtown, there will be plenty of activities to keep you busy and entertained.

Shop for vegetables, handmade goods and more from local vendors at Davis Park across from the Ridgefield Community Library.

See you there!

Come Volunteer!We need volunteers to help with our annual Big Paddle Waterfront Festival at floater check in. Come volun...
05/27/2026

Come Volunteer!

We need volunteers to help with our annual Big Paddle Waterfront Festival at floater check in.

Come volunteer from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday June 6.

Volunteer registration is open and can be found on the Big Paddle Volunteering webpage: https://www.cogran.io/index.html?cityofridgefield #/events

Join us for the 15th Annual Big Paddle Waterfront Festival!The full schedule of events can be found at the City website ...
05/18/2026

Join us for the 15th Annual Big Paddle Waterfront Festival!

The full schedule of events can be found at the City website - join us and enjoy refreshments at the waterfront hosted by the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce, Ridgefield Lion's Club, Eight Cow Creamery, and Sourpuss Lemonade!

Enjoy live music alongside Lake River and participate in FREE activities like volleyball, ladder ball, yard dice, and more!

There's plenty going on in downtown Ridgefield and along the waterfront so join us on June 6 for a great day of floating, music, activities, and connecting. More details and the full schedule of events can be found at the website: https://www.ridgefieldwa.us/302/Big-Paddle-Waterfront-Festival

Address

5 Mill Street
Ridgefield, WA
98642

Telephone

+13608873557

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