Hoquarten Slough is a tidal waterway in Tillamook, Oregon, connecting to Tillamook Bay and serving as the confluence of the Tillamook, Trask, and Wilson Rivers. The primary and recommended launch point for paddlers is the kayak launch at Sue H. Elmore Park in the center of Tillamook, which offers an easy-entrance dock. This is used for both put-in and take-out for typical loops. The slough is slow-moving and winding, making it suitable for new paddlers. The environment offers frequent easy landing opportunities on gently sloping sand, gravel, or grass. The paddling experience is influenced by significant tidal exchange, with a typical range of several feet. Currents are generally mild, up to 2 knots, and are tied to the tide cycle. For trip planning, paddlers should consult the NOAA tide station for Hoquarten Slough. One organized trip plan noted that paddling during a rising high tide presented no significant ebb or flood current based on the specific tide heights and times for that day. The slough is sheltered from significant swell and surf, with waves typically under one foot and no breaking waves. Wind can be a factor, with conditions of 7-12 knots noticeably affecting paddle movement. The water is cold year-round, with an example water temperature noted as 54 degrees Fahrenheit, necessitating appropriate immersion protection such as a drysuit or farmer john wetsuit. The total distance for a paddle trip here typically falls between 6 to 11 miles. Hazards include potential obstacles in the water and the need to be mindful of tidal timing to avoid being stranded on exposed mudflats at low water. The area is historically significant as the main transportation route from the valley to Tillamook Bay before the construction of Highway 6.