On Ridgefield’s Lake River, try for dry

Now that things are finally drying out around here, it’s time to get back in the water.

Go ahead and try for on the water only. The idea at Ridgefield’s annual Big Paddle Festival is launching as many landlubbers as possible onto Lake River in canoes, kayaks and paddleboards June 3. Staying dry during all that is a nice idea — but splashes do have a way of finding victims.

The day is organized around two massive outings: a morning guided tour and a casual afternoon meander. Bring your own vessel or rent one, at the discounted event rate of $25, from Ridgefield Kayak; either way, registration is mandatory so nobody gets lost at sea. (Contacting Ridgefield Kayak ahead of time to reserve your boat is a good idea.)

The morning journey, which gets underway at 9:30 a.m., has been titled an “interpretive paddle.” Think of it as a five-mile hike on the water that also celebrates National Trails Day, the first Saturday in June.

A flotilla of kayaks and canoes will launch from the Port of Ridgefield at 5 W. Mill St. and paddle five miles, round-trip, to Lake River’s connection with the Columbia River. You’ll hear stories about the area’s rich history, from original inhabitants to the Lewis and Clark expedition’s passage; you’ll also experience the wonders of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge from a unique point of view.

The flotilla will include the Chinook Tribe’s 30-foot canoe and the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership’s two 34-foot canoes. This trip lasts approximately two hours and requires a $5 event fee, which gets you a guaranteed seat in one of those big canoes; if you are renting, that fee is deducted from your boat rental, so your total remains $25.

The day’s second, informal outing launches at 12:30 p.m. As before, bring your own vessel or rent one for $25 from Ridgefield Kayak. There’s no extra fee for this recreational paddle, but registration is still required.

Back on land

Wrapped around these two highlights are lots of festivities on dry land — at the Port of Ridgefield waterfront, 5 W. Mill St.

Early birds can begin the day with a 7 a.m. pancake breakfast or guided bird walk. A Paddler’s Village is open 8 a.m.to 4:30 p.m., with vendors, creative activities for kids and massages for sore paddling muscles.

An opening ceremony at 9 a.m. will feature a Chinook blessing and traditional drumming. At 9:30 a.m., kids and their parents can start trying what’s described as an “epic, painfully funny” and larger-than-life obstacle course that includes climbing, jumping, balancing and even archery. There’s no start time or timer; keep surmounting obstacles all day long if you like.

Or try the Totally Awesome Scavenger Challenge, which turns Ridgefield into a giant game board. Starting at the waterfront or Overlook Park, you’ll decipher clues and take on fun challenges that turn into a sightseeing tour of downtown’s familiar sights, plus a few overlooked gems. Everyone who completes the challenge gets a prize.

An interpretive hike to explore Carty Lake leaves at 2 p.m.

Getting hungry?

All that paddling, hiking, obstacle surmounting and scavenger hunting will surely build big appetites. Fortunately, food carts and the beer garden open at 11 a.m. Lunchtime marimba music by Chicamarimba begins at 11:30 a.m. Also, the Ridgefield Farmer’s Market is open in nearby Overlook Park, with a shuttle providing back-and-forth rides between there and the waterfront throughout the day.

The festival’s closing ceremony, at 4:30 p.m., will pair up dessert and a nice way to dry off: s’mores over a bonfire.