Held at the Ridgefield Waterfront, this annual celebration brings together outdoor enthusiasts, families, and the local community on National Trails Day to commemorate the Lewis River to Vancouver Lake Water Trail

RIDGEFIELD – Ridgefield’s iconic waterfront tradition returns bigger and better on Saturday, June 7, 2025, with the 14th Annual Big Paddle Waterfront Festival. 

Held at the Ridgefield Waterfront, at 109 W Division Street from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., this annual celebration brings together outdoor enthusiasts, families, and the local community on National Trails Day to commemorate the Lewis River to Vancouver Lake Water Trail. Join us for a day packed with paddling, hiking, live music, games, food, and family-friendly fun.

Paddling adventures on Lake River

There will be several opportunities to participate in a group paddle at this year’s Big Paddle. The largest, and the namesake of the event, the BIG Paddle begins at 10 AM. Join a flotilla of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards for a five-mile guided roundtrip paddle on Lake River. Registration is $5 (BYOB – Bring Your Own Boat) and covers entry to the guided event. For those without equipment, rentals are available separately through Alder Creek Kayak. Alder Creek is conveniently located on site, but equipment must be reserved ahead of time. Reserve gear online using the code “FIRSTSAT” for a 50% discount.

Additional paddling opportunities include:

• Dragon Boat Paddle (10 a.m.): Join the morning Big Paddle and experience the thrill of dragon boating! No prior experience is required, and all gear is provided. Ages 14+ welcome. Participants must arrive at 8:30 a.m..
• Quirky Kayak Parade Paddle (1 p.m.): Grab your paddles, deck out your kayak in all things wild and whimsical, and join the splashiest spectacle on water! Whether you’re sporting streamers, rubber ducks, pirate flags, or a full-on floating flamingo, we want you in the lineup. Continue on for a five-mile guided paddle or come back on land for festival fun.
• For those without equipment, rentals are available separately through Alder Creek Kayak. Alder Creek is conveniently located on site, but equipment must be reserved ahead of time. Reserve gear online using the code “FIRSTSAT” for a 50% discount, exclusively on rentals. Guided Paddle with Alder Creek Kayak (11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.): Discover the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge from the water, visit historic Lewis & Clark sites, and enjoy a professionally guided experience. Pre-registration online is required. Registration is $35 and includes a kayak or stand-up paddleboard, life jacket and whistle.

Nature hikes

In honor of National Trails Day, the Friends of Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge will lead free group hikes from the Big Paddle Registration Trailer, along the waterfront and through the Refuge at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.. No registration required, and the Refuge will be fee-free all day.

On the Waterfront: Live music, games, and nonstop fun

The excitement doesn’t stop on the water – once you’re back on shore, the waterfront transforms into a vibrant hub of entertainment and activity! Whether you’ve just finished paddling or hiking, or you’re diving straight into the festivities, there’s something happening every moment. Feel the beat of live music drifting over the river, jump into high-energy games and refuel with delicious local food and drinks. The Big Paddle Waterfront Festival is a place to play, explore, and celebrate all day long.

Enjoy a full day of festivities at the waterfront including:

• Live Music
  • Takohachi (9-10L30 a.m.)
  • One Eyed Kats (11 a.m.–2:30 p.m.)
• Outdoor Games & Activities (9 a.m.-3 p.m.): Volleyball, ladder ball, spike ball, inflatable soccer darts, basketball, and more.
• Big Paddle Cornhole Classic (10 a.m.): Hosted by Ridgefield Young Life. Compete in a double elimination tournament for a chance to win a custom cornhole set and prizes! $20/team. Register at: https://wa472.younglife.team/2025-big-paddle-cornhole-classic
• Dunk Tank: Try your luck dunking local Ridgefield figures – hosted by Ridgefield High School Student Council.
• Free Caricature Drawing: Sit down for an expert caricature artist to draw your face in a fun and comical way.
• Food and Beverage (8 a.m.–3 p.m.): Sip and savor selections from Ridgefield Craft Brewing starting at 11 a.m. (hosted by Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce). Adult beverages are no longer limited to the beer garden! Guests 21+ can now enjoy drinks throughout the festival while staying with friends and family. Food vendors open starting at 8 a.m. – Ridgefield Lions Club for breakfast or lunch, Travelin Toms Coffee (8 a.m.– 3 p.m.), Ice Cream Renaissance and Shell’s East Coast Snowballs (11 a.m.-3 p.m.).
• Kayak Check (11 a.m.– 3 p.m.): Enjoy activities worry-free while we watch your kayak or paddleboard.
• Free Hayrides (10 a.m.–2 p.m.): Hop between Downtown and the Waterfront with ease.

Downtown Ridgefield festivities

Continue the fun downtown with:

• First Saturday & Ridgefield Farmers Market Vendors @ Davis Park (9 a.m.-2 p.m.)
• Friends of the Ridgefield Community Library Spring Used Book Sale at Ridgefield Community Library (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)
• Rapid Romance at Ridgefield Wine Bar (4-5:30 p.m.)
• Live Music at Ridgefield Craft Brewing – Acoustic Ridge (6-9 p.m.)
• Live Music at The Neighborhood Refuge – Rae Ann Phillips (7–10 p.m.)
• Live Music at Sportsman’s Public House – To Be Announced

Whether you’re paddling, hiking, shopping, or just soaking up the waterfront vibes, the 2025 Big Paddle Waterfront Festival offers something for everyone. 

For more information, registration, and event details, visit: www.ridgefieldwa.us/BigPaddle