Long Swamp

Located in Aberdeen, the Long Swamp Boat Ramp provides hand-launch access to the Wishkah River, one of the lesser-paddled waterways flowing into Grays Harbor. This is a year-round access point suitable for kayakers and canoeists looking to explore upstream sections of the river. The ramp is a basic facility with restrooms available on-site, making it a practical starting point for day paddles.

Paddlers can launch directly into the river and head upstream, with reports indicating that multi-mile upstream paddling is possible from this location. The Wishkah offers a quieter alternative to more heavily trafficked regional waterways and connects paddlers to the broader Grays Harbor estuary system. Keep in mind that marine traffic and tidal conditions may affect paddling, particularly in lower sections, so planning your paddle around tidal windows is recommended. The nearby Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge protects important mudflat habitat in the region, offering paddlers a chance to observe wildlife in a protected ecosystem.