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.
This is Day 1 of a two-day Kalama and Silver Lake mini-vacation. You can paddle one day or both. But both will be more fun! My tentative schedule:
Tuesday 10:30 a.m. Silver lake trip with lunch break.
Tuesday evening: Restaurant meal. Probably El Compadre.
Tuesday night: Camp at Seaquest State Park.
Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Kalama trip with lunch break.
Wednesday evening: Restaurant meal at McMenamin’s followed by free concert in the park.
It’s time for my sorta-annual winding through the “lily pad” (wocus) paths and small canals of Silver Lake, near Castle Rock, WA. About the same size as Vancouver Lake, it boasts a magnificent view of Mt. St. Helens, and we can indulge in ice cream or another snack when we take a break at a lakeside fishing resort. Though the paddling is quite easy, Silver Lake has some fun surprises; everyone should paddle it at least once. :-)
We’ll be on the water about four hours, traveling approximately ten miles, with a break at the halfway point. We can arrange interim stops if needed by altering our route. Canoes with flotation are welcome. No inflatable boats or boats shorter than 10 ft., please.
We’ll launch from Streeter’s Resort, 120 Lake Rd., Silver Lake, WA 98645. Please be water-ready by 10:30 a.m. There is a $5 parking fee, payable at the Streeter’s Resort store, which is good all day.
My goal is to be off the water around 4:00 p.m. If you want to avoid the Portland afternoon/evening traffic, one way to use up some time is to make a stop at the nearby Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center which is next to the lake and has a free half-mile walking path along the shoreline. Eating dinner in Castle Rock is another option.
In my years of trying, I’ve never found an online resource that records the water temperature of this Silver Lake, in Cowlitz County. I’ll just say that it’s a shallow lake (mostly 10 ft. deep and less, with an average depth of 6 ft.) at a low elevation (489 ft.). I’m going to guess that water temperature is around 60. I've specified that no immersion wear is required, but you are more than welcome to wear a drysuit or any manner of wetsuit. There will be time during our lunch break for wardrobe changes.
Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Streeter’s Resort 120 Lake Rd. Silver Lake, WA 98645
Take out: same
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: None
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): Monte Johnston
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: 60-70
Estimated Water Temperature: 60
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5 hours
Tide times & heights:
Current information:
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 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Wind may affect this trip. We may start earlier Tuesday morning. I'll email registrants the day prior.
Location (Optional): 120 Lake Rd. Silver Lake, WA 98645
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
