Sauvie Island Exploration-McNary Lakes to Sturgeon Lake and Gilbert River, L1

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: Bob Freshman
Activity Title: Sauvie Island Exploration-McNary Lakes to Sturgeon Lake and Gilbert River, L!
Date of Activity: 5/15/2022
Narrative: This is a very unique paddle that we can only do when the water levels are high enough and this coming Sunday will be one of these days. This area is closed for a few months each year to protect wildlife breeding areas and only opened this year on May 1.
We will be launching on Little McNary Lake adjacent to the Gilbert Boat Ramp and then transit to Big McNary Lake continuing through a variety of channels to Sturgeon Lake. There will be a short but interesting portage to Sturgeon Lake; if the water is high enough we might be able to avoid the portage. We will then head back on the Gilbert River to our launch site. Total trip is about 11 miles; this trip should not pose any paddling difficulties unless we get some wind. Take out options can be limited. We have often seen quite a few bird viewing opportunities including eagles, binoculars are good to take along.
You must have an ODFW parking pass for this area, its $10 per day or $30 per year. Passes can be purchased online at the ODFW website (https://myodfw.com/); they are also available for purchase at the Cracker Barrel Grocery.
We will meet at the Cracker Barrel Grocery on Sauvie Island at 8:30 and then caravan to the put-in near the Gilbert Boat Ramp, planning to be on the water about 9:30. Bring enough water and food for a 4 hour trip.
Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Adjacent to Gilbert Boat Ramp but we will meet at the Cracker Barrel Grocery at 8:30
Take out: Gilbert River Boat Ramp
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Bob Freshman
Assistant Organizer(s): Bob Hyslop
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
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 55-65
Estimated Water Temperature: 55-60
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: 2022/05/15 Sun 04:27 AM 3.19 H
2022/05/15 Sun 12:51 PM 0.11 L
2022/05/15 Sun 5:23 PM 1.85 H
At St.Helens
Current information: 1-2 mph Max. Most of the trip will have little to no current
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
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 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 1
Rating Comments: Though the paddle is not difficult the distance of 11 miles is longer than a Level 1 trip
Location (Optional): Cracker Barrel Grocery-Sauvie Island 15005 NW Sauvie Island Rd, Portland, OR 97231
Photos (optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip All participants of this trip must be vaccinated for Covid-19