Comments and Discussion
This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification. To successfully register, you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group. Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment.
Narrative: Please join Joe Howell, Dave Smith and myself for a paddle in the Columbia River Gorge. We will be launching from Stevenson at the Cascade boat ramp and make our way upriver along the Washington side towards Wind River. It is one of the most picturesque parts of the Columbia Gorge if you have not paddled here before. We will make the decision to cross over to the Oregon side if conditions are favorable and have lunch at Government Cove, and then re-cross the Columbia to Stevenson. If conditions are not favorable for the initial crossing, we will continue up the Washington side, possibly to Wind River. We can paddle close along the shoreline, if conditions are windy, to find smoother water. There are several lovely small rock islands and coves with beaches for a break. At times, the river here can be still and silent, glassy as a lake, other times the wind can create an entirely different environment. We will be keeping the forecast in mind and if high winds are forecast, we will change our venue to an alternate location. Walking Man Brewing in Stevenson is an excellent option for post paddle food and beverages. Meeting Time: 10:30:00 AM Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM Type of activity: Paddle Trip Put in: Cascade Boat Launch Stevenson, WA Take out: Same Route Alternative for bad weather: To be determined Required equipment: Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit Primary Organizer: Bob Freshman Assistant Organizer(s): Dave Smith, Joe Howell Has organizer paddled here before? Yes Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes First Aid /CPR Person: Bob Freshman Maximum number of paddlers: 12 I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes Estimated Air Temperature: 60-70 Estimated Water Temperature: 45-50 Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 Hours Tide times & heights: NA Current information: 1-2 Knots Hazards: Shipping traffic Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably affects movement of paddle Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves Sea state: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered whitecaps Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees 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 2: Less than 1 mile Paddling Environment: Overall rating: Level 2 Rating Comments: Water temperatures will still be rather cold in the 45-50 range, minimum of full wet suit or dry suit required.
Oregon Ocean Paddling SocietyPortland, Oregon