Parks and Trails
Portage River Water Trail
The Portage River Water Trail was officially state designated as a Water Trail on July 19th, 2022. The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, and several partner agencies worked together in order to gain the designation for the waterway.
This scenic 36-mile trail flows northeast and winds through Wood, Sandusky and Ottawa counties, draining into Lake Erie. There are several paddle sport launches along the Portage River Water Trail.
Always practice safety when utilizing the Portage River Water Trail, and other bodies of water.
Respect the River Tips for Paddling Safely: wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket at all times, follow the "High flow - Don't go" rule of thumb, and be prepared for cold water by wearing layers and avoiding cotton clothing. Canoes and kayaks must be registered, paddleboards, however, do not have to be registered as boats in Ohio.
Launch Sites in Ottawa County
Lake Erie Beach Access: This unique spot is where the Portage River drains into Lake Erie. The launch marker is off Jefferson Street in Port Clinton in the Waterworks Park gravel public parking lot
Portage River State Wildlife Area: Located at 262 W. Lakeshore Dr. (SR 163) in Port Clinton. River access is in the southeast corner of the parking lot. Vehicles can pull up to the access to launch motorized and personal watercraft. This site also includes a walking trail.
Ottawa County Fairgrounds: Located at River Mile 7.8, the Ottawa County Fairgrounds access site is on the southeast corner of the county fairgrounds, adjacent to the racetrack. Limited parking is available next to the river launch. The Ottawa County Fairgrounds is located at 7870 W State Route 163 in Oak Harbor 43449. A Parks and Trails Improvement Grant helped fund the construction of a new shelter house at this access site.
Harry Witty Memorial Park: This access site in Elmore is across Harris Street, on the northwest side of the large public parking lot. The address for Harry Witty Memorial Park is 358 Harris St., Elmore, 43416. This newly improved access site on the Portage River Water Trail holds a Board Safe Kayak Launch chute and is the perfect site for a picnic lunch break and a peaceful rest under the shade of beautiful tall trees before you paddle on!
Little Portage Unit: Located at 7899 West Little Portage East Rd. in Oak Harbor. Eagle Scout Tyler Shadoan constructed a kayak launch at this site in 2023. Learn more about his Eagle Scout project and this Portage River Water Trail access site here:
Oak Harbor Interurban Overlook: Located at 146 N Church St. in Oak Harbor, 43449. River Access is to the west of the parking lot, where Church Street terminates at the river. The walk from the street to the river is a paved, ADA compliant walkway.
Elmore-Riverbend Park: In Elmore, at River Mile 22, Elmore-Riverbend Park is located at 715 Merle Harder Blvd., 43416. River access is located adjacent to the grass parking area, located at the end of the gravel drive.