• Follow in the wake—literally—of Lewis and Clark!
• A planner for all 1200 miles of the river—whether in one continuous trip or in sections

Paddling the Columbia begins at the river's headwaters on Columbia Lake in British Columbia and provides comprehensive information for traveling its full 1245 miles to the Pacific. The guidebook enables serious paddlers to set a goal, like hiking the Pacific Crest Trail or climbing the Seven Summits—but on water.

The book divides the river into 34 segments, detailing put-in and take-out points, campgrounds, various land manager regulations, key riverside sites, dams and water releases, paddling times and distances, free-flowing areas, ferry schedules, and more. Introductory texts and sidebars cover local history, things to do nearby (like hot springs, hiking trails, or places to eat), as well as wildlife and scenery. Boat types and equipment are also covered. The overall tone is adventurous, funny, and introspective.