6 Great Places to Kayak, Float and SUP Near Ogden

By Peter Nieman | May 25, 2021

From leisurely SUP to whitewater chasing, Ogden has proven to be a paddler's paradise.

Looking for some relaxing flatwater scenery? Our reservoirs are picture-perfect. Seeking an adrenaline rush? At the right time of year, the Weber River offers experienced paddlers Class V rapids. Beat the heat with Peter Nieman, Gear:30 employee and paddling enthusiast, as he walks us through six of his favorite places to enjoy the water this spring and summer.

CAUSEY RESERVOIR (FLATWATER)

A local favorite, Causey Reservoir is an awesome place to enjoy some chill flatwater and awesome views. If you aren’t looking for an adrenaline-filled whitewater run or if you want to have a great place to practice your kayak roll, Causey Reservoir is for you!

Photo courtesy of Visit Ogden

OGDEN KAYAK PARK ON THE WEBER RIVER (II-III)

The Ogden Kayak Park is a great place to bring your playboat and play in the three holes that the park offers. The park offers three holes: top-hole, second-hole, and bottom-hole. The first hole is my favorite to surf at medium to high flows. While the park is at a lower flow it offers low-consequence swimming. When the flow is around medium to high, the three holes can become pretty intimidating. If you are inexperienced with whitewater and looking to practice your skills, always remember to go with someone who is an experienced paddler. 

Photo courtesy of The Standard-Examiner

RIVERDALE KAYAK PARK ON THE WEBER RIVER (II-III)

The Riverdale Kayak park is similar to the Ogden Park when it comes to the class of rapids offered. I have found, though, that the Riverdale Kayak Park is less popular than the Ogden Kayak Park. If the Ogden Kayak Park is too crowded for you but you still want to go paddling, the Riverdale Kayak Park is a great option.

Photo courtesy of paddling.com

WEBER RIVER HENEFER TO TAGGART'S SECTION (II-III)

The Weber River offers a lot of whitewater runs along its stretch through Utah. One of the most popular sections is the Henefer to Taggart’s section. I have paddled this section at both a very low flow and medium flow and it is definitely on my list of favorite paddling spots near Ogden. At low flow, this section offers some technical eddy-catching with very small wave trains and ripples. During the spring when the water levels rise, this section offers beautiful rapids in which you can tube, raft, and kayak.

Photo courtesy of Weber River Adventures

WEBER RIVER SCRAMBLED EGG TO 89 SECTION (III-IV+)

This section of the Weber is known as the classic Weber whitewater run. This run is about 1.8 miles long and offers some very technical rocky whitewater at low flow and some very pushy and big rapids at higher flows. Like the other river sections listed, these are not to be messed around with. Make sure you are going with a group of people and have previous whitewater experience if you are planning on running this section. 

Photo courtesy of YouTube

OGDEN NARROWS ON THE OGDEN RIVER (II-V)

This section of river is probably the most intimidating and challenging section of river in Ogden. It is about 1.4 miles in length through Ogden Canyon and offers Class IV+ rapids at medium flow and Class V rapids at high flow. If you are planning on running the Ogden Narrows, make sure to scout the rapids for loose wood and strainers. There have been many reports on American Whitewater of “river-wide logs” which are a big hazard to people in small watercrafts. 

Photo courtesy of Ogden Outdoor Adventure

Shop water sports equipment here.
Follow Gear:30 on Instagram.