Nestucca River & Bay (Level 2)

This trip is limited to OOPS members with WEC.  To register you'll need to log into your member account on the OOPS website.

Narrative: Pacific City is another great place to launch and paddle. Nestucca Bay/River and also the Little Nestucca River are part of the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge; I have paddled there many times in all seasons. The well-known Lumpy Waters Symposium is held in PC in October, using both the river and ocean for the classes they offer. We will be launching from Pacific City Boat Launch on Sunset Drive, there is a $4 parking fee and bathrooms available. We will meet at 11 and launch at 12.
We will head out on the Nestucca River towards Nestucca Bay shortly after low tide and head out to the mouth of the bay. With the incoming tide at the mouth there are options to play in the sometimes interesting currents in that area. Also, sea lions are common to see both in the bay and sometimes the river. We will then head back up the bay and cut off on the Little Nestucca River and explore that for a couple of miles before returning to Nestucca Bay and back to the launch. Total distance will be in the 9-10 mile range. Conditions are generally good with stronger currents only near the mouth of the bay. There can be some chop if the winds pick up. Bring food/snacks and water; we will be taking a break along the way. Total water time will be in the 3-4 hour range.
Two other great attributes of Pacific City are Grateful Bread and the Pelican Brew Pub. Grateful Bread is my personal favorite, I plan on having breakfast there before the paddle. For after paddle refreshments, there is the Pelican Brew Pub with a great view of the ocean and wide variety of their own brews.

Meeting Time: 11:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 12:00:00 PM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Pacific City Boat Launch on Sunset Ave
Take out: Pacific City Boat Launch on Sunset Ave
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Bob Freshman
Assistant Organizer(s): Rich Becker & Dan Numbers
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: Bob Freshman
Maximum number of paddlers: 14
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 50-55
Estimated Water Temperature: 45-50
Estimated Water Time: 3-4 Hours
Tide times & heights: Low Tide 11:07 AM, High Tide 5:20 PM
Current information: 1-2 knots
Hazards:  
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Some currents and possible winds plus distance makes this a level 2 paddle
Location (Optional):https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pacific+City,+OR/@45.1964809,-123.9668045,446m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x54eadd3983ff7ae5:0xf6c8d1e8f00195f0!8m2!3d45.2023263!4d-123.9628946
Photos (optional):