Access Site
DC
Columbia Island Marina Boat Ramp
Source: department_of_energy_and_environment Updated 1 year ago
City: Arlington, DC
County: District of Columbia
Type: Boat Ramp
Location: 38.87495866, -77.04924307
Air Temp: --
Location
Live Webcam
Nearby Gauge Conditions
Real-time data from USGS Water Services
Whitewater Runs on Potomac River
21 runs (13 nearby)Difficulty Classes
I Easy
II Novice
III Intermediate
IV Advanced
V Expert/Extreme
VI Unrunnable
Position relative to this access site:
Put-in at this location
This location is on the run
Take-out at this location
Downstream from here Upstream from here
Downstream from here Upstream from here
V
This location is on this run
Clara Barton Parkway to C&O Canal
0.1 mi
III+(IV)
Upstream from here (4.8 mi from take-out)
7. Little Falls
2.4 mi
15 ft/mi
IV(V)
Upstream from here (6.0 mi from take-out)
2. Glebe Road to the Potomac
0.1 mi
I
Upstream from here (8.2 mi from take-out)
6. Lock 10 to Sycamore Island
2.3 mi
II
Upstream from here (10.6 mi from take-out)
5. Anglers Inn to Lock 10
4.2 mi
II-III(IV)
Upstream from here (14.4 mi from take-out)
4. Sandy Beach/O-Deck to Anglers Inn
2.2 mi
8 ft/mi
V+
Upstream from here (16.0 mi from take-out)
3. Great Falls (Center Lines)
0.4 mi
100 ft/mi
IV-V(V+)
Upstream from here (16.0 mi from take-out)
3. Great Falls (Fish Ladder)
0.4 mi
100 ft/mi
V+
Upstream from here (16.0 mi from take-out)
3. Great Falls (MD Lines)
0.4 mi
100 ft/mi
V
Upstream from here (16.0 mi from take-out)
3. Great Falls (VA Lines)
0.4 mi
100 ft/mi
V+
Upstream from here (16.0 mi from take-out)
3. Through Great Falls (several runs)
0.4 mi
I
Upstream from here (36.9 mi from take-out)
0.9 Point of Rocks to Mouth of Monocacy
6.2 mi
I-II
Upstream from here (43.7 mi from take-out)
0.8 Potoma Wayside, VA or Weverton, MD to Point of Rocks MD
12.0 mi
These whitewater runs are on the same river but located more than 50 miles from this access site.
II+
55 mi away
0.7 Dargans Bend Boat Ramp to Potoma Wayside, VA or Weverton, MD
5.5 mi
5 ft/mi
I
58 mi away
0.6 Shepherdstown, WV to Dargans Bend Boat Ramp
8.0 mi
I
65 mi away
0.5 Dam # 4 to Shepherdstown WV
12.0 mi
I
70 mi away
0.45 Williamsport to Dam #4
14.0 mi
I
74 mi away
0.4 Big Pool/Fort Frederick Campground to Williamsport MD
16.7 mi
I
83 mi away
0.35 Hancock, MD to Big Pool/Fort Frederick Campground
12.0 mi
I
97 mi away
0.3 Fifteen Mile Creek Boat Ramp to Hancock, MD
16.8 mi
I
106 mi away
0.2 Paw Paw Tunnel Campground to Fifteen Mile Creek Boat Landing
21.0 mi
Whitewater data from
American Whitewater
About This Access Site
The Columbia Island Marina Boat Ramp provides excellent public access to the Potomac River for kayakers, canoeists, and small motorized boats. Located just across the river from the National Mall in Arlington, Virginia, this ramp offers a convenient launching point to explore the historic sights and natural beauty of the nation's capital.
The Potomac River at this location is broad, slow-moving, and tidal, making it well-suited for recreational boating. Paddlers can easily reach the monuments and memorials on the opposite shore, as well as scenic natural areas upstream and downstream. The 24-hour boat ramp allows access at any time, though users should be aware of tidal conditions and river flows.
Amenities at the marina include boat storage, fueling, and other services catering to powerboats. While the focus is on motorized vessels, the public boat ramp ensures that non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes have a dedicated launch site. Paddlers should exercise caution when sharing the water with larger boats, but the Potomac offers ample room for everyone to enjoy.
The Potomac River at this location is broad, slow-moving, and tidal, making it well-suited for recreational boating. Paddlers can easily reach the monuments and memorials on the opposite shore, as well as scenic natural areas upstream and downstream. The 24-hour boat ramp allows access at any time, though users should be aware of tidal conditions and river flows.
Amenities at the marina include boat storage, fueling, and other services catering to powerboats. While the focus is on motorized vessels, the public boat ramp ensures that non-motorized craft like kayaks and canoes have a dedicated launch site. Paddlers should exercise caution when sharing the water with larger boats, but the Potomac offers ample room for everyone to enjoy.
Nearby Recreation Areas
The White House and President's Park
Located within
National Mall and Memorial Parks
Located within
Fort Foote Park
Located within
Fort Dupont Park
Located within