Oregon kayak, canoe and paddleboard rules
Last checked Oct 26, 2026 against the official sources listed below. Rules change; confirm with the agency before you go.
| Registration | No registration (no motor) Paddlecraft aren't registered, but see the Waterway Access Permit. |
|---|---|
| Launch or access permits | Waterway Access Permit: every operator of a non-motorized boat on Oregon waterways needs one, regardless of boat length (it replaced the AIS Prevention Permit). One-week, one-year and two-year options. |
| Life jackets, whistle and light | Federal rules apply (see below). |
| Aquatic invasive species | Funded through the Waterway Access Permit, which also pays for boat inspection stations. |
Official sources
River conditions: Columbia River At The Dalles, Or
Federal rules on every state's waters
- Life jacket: a U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket for each person aboard canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Children under 13 must wear one while underway unless the state sets its own age rule.
- Sound signal: carry a whistle or horn; your voice doesn't count.
- Light: from sunset to sunrise and in poor visibility, have a white light (flashlight or lantern) ready to show in time to prevent a collision.
- Night signals: manually propelled boats are exempt from daytime visual distress signals but must carry night signals on coastal waters after dark.
Sources: 33 CFR Part 175 · USCG Boater's Guide to Federal Requirements · USCG Boating FAQ