Nehalem Bay exploration, L2

 This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt....if the paddler is wearing a spray skirt on a level 1 paddle, the Wet Exit Certification is REQUIRED).  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 if you intend to wear a spray skirt.  Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment.  If the measured water temperature is different enough from that listed below to warrant a change in required immersion protection, the Organizer will contact all participants and the Trips Board member with the update at least a day before the trip.

Full Name: Constance Lively
Activity Title: Nehalem Bay exploration, L2
Date of Activity: 8/28/2021
Narrative: Come explore the beauty of Nehalem Bay. This area has hidden sloughs among the wetlands which are fun to explore at high tide. You can often see river otter near the pilings along the river, and beautiful birds in the wetlands/grasses. This will be a fairly leisurely paddle but with some stronger winds opposing us as we head up to Nehalem.

We will meet at 2:00, launch at 2:45 and use the incoming tide to assist us as we go upriver, toward the town of Nehalem. Nehalem has a public boat dock where we can get out and stretch our legs, snack, and use the public restrooms. A couple of restaurants in Nehalem are open for take out only, at this time, but given changing Covid restrictions, plan to bring your own snacks. We will catch the tide as it starts to turn and assist us back toward Nehalem Bay State Park, arriving around 6:30.

Higher winds are expected in the bay on this day…..13-15mph from the NW. Please join us only if you feel you can handle those wind conditions and bring a tow belt if you have one.



Meeting Time: 2:00:00 PM
Launch Time: 2:45:00 PM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Nehalem Bay State Park boat launch
Take out: Nehalem Bay State Park boat launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: Same route…..perhaps less distance.
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Connie Lively
Assistant Organizer(s): TBD
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:
Maximum number of paddlers: 10 including 2 TO’s
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 72
Estimated Water Temperature: 58 degrees F.
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: Low tide: 11am; High tide: 5:30pm measured at Nehalem Bridge
Current information: 2mph max.
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 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 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Please be prepared for winds from 13-15mph from the northwest. We may need to modify the trip if it’s 15. Please bring a towline if you have one.
Location (Optional): Nehalem Bay Boat Launch in Nehalem Bay State Park.
Photos (optional):