In May 2025, Next Adventure, a beloved Portland outdoor gear store with a 28-year history, announced it would be closing its doors. The announcement initially suggested all four locations would shutter by fall. However, the story took a positive turn when two locations were saved under a new ownership structure emphasizing local investment and employee participation, ensuring that the Next Adventure legacy in Portland would continue.
“We’re super excited that we have some local investors that have agreed to come on and keep the Next Adventure legacy alive,” said co-founder Deek Heykamp. He explained that the investors would collaborate with key management staff to develop an employee ownership program, allowing staff to become members and actively participate in the business.
Founded in 1997 by Heykamp and his childhood friend Bryan Knudsen, Next Adventure has long been a hub for Portland’s outdoor enthusiasts. Both founders plan to remain involved for a few months to assist in the transition. “These new investors have some great creative ideas on how to cement Next Adventure’s legacy in the Portland area,” Heykamp said. “We’re looking to take an iconic local store to the next level so it truly is a community store.”
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Under the new model, the Grand Avenue and Sandy Boulevard locations will continue operating as Next Adventure. Meanwhile, the Scappoose Bay Paddle Center has been rebranded as The Paddle Shack, under new owners Cody James Pace and Bri Eckenrodt, who took over the location in early October.
Pace explained the personal motivation behind acquiring the Scappoose location. “I just so happened to be leaving my career of 24 years, and we were planning to open a business in Scappoose, wanting to do something outdoors and gather the community,” he said. “Knowing how much we love paddling at Scappoose Bay, I looked at Bri and said, ‘I think this is it. I think this is what we’re looking for and our opportunity.’”
The couple, who live just minutes away, acted quickly after hearing about Next Adventure’s closure. “I said, ‘We’ve got to drive down there right now and find out what the plan is. What are they gonna do?’” Pace recalled.
In an interview with OPB’s “All Things Considered” host Crystal Ligori, Pace discussed his vision for The Paddle Shack. One of their main goals is to expand the community aspect of the location. “We have a lot of paddlers that come out, but there’s also a large fishing community, an RV campground, and houseboats in the marina,” he said. “We want to create an outdoor covered space for events, have food options, and potentially even a taproom. The focus is on bringing the community together.”
A key project for the new owners is installing ADA-accessible launches for the marina. Pace emphasized the importance of accessibility for stroke survivors and others with disabilities, highlighting a personal connection: close friends had experienced mobility challenges and would greatly benefit from the new setup. “Being out in nature, seeing eagles, osprey, and sturgeon, it’s really special,” he said.
Heykamp expressed confidence in the new owners. “It’s exactly what we would have dreamt of,” he said. “Cody James and Bri are passionate about the community and understand how important that resource is. Columbia County has told us we’re the biggest tourism draw for the area, and it’s meaningful to know that this legacy will continue in a way that benefits the community.”
The transition marks a new chapter for Next Adventure and the Scappoose Bay Paddle Center. While two of the original Portland locations continue the Next Adventure brand, the Paddle Shack under Pace and Eckenrodt represents a fresh, community-driven approach to outdoor recreation. With plans for expanded events, inclusive access, and a vibrant local hub, the new ownership aims to honor the legacy of a Portland institution while evolving to meet the needs of the community.
As the handover concludes, Heykamp reflected on the journey and the store’s enduring impact: “It’s something I’ll be proud of as we finish our careers. The support from the Port of St. Helens, Columbia County, and the tourism bureau has been incredible, and it’s rewarding to see this resource continue in such capable hands.”
Next Adventure’s story, from a small local shop to a community-centered outdoor hub, now enters a new era, blending heritage, innovation, and community engagement. The Paddle Shack is poised to continue that tradition, keeping the spirit of adventure alive along Scappoose Bay.
