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: Chris Mayou
Activity Title: Cascade Lakes 3 days of trips, L1, 7-12-22
Date of Activity: 7/12/2022
Narrative: One of the most spectacular areas to flatwater kayak in Oregon is the Cascade Lakes region in the mountains above Bend, Sunriver, and La Pine. These lakes, which feature easy paddling and stunning views, are generally at 4,500 to 5,500 elevation. I’ll be leading three relaxed-pace daytime trips—one each on Sparks Lake, Hosmer Lake, and Crane Prairie Reservoir. If you sign up for this “trip,” you’re signing up for all three of these Level 1 paddles. Conditions and requirements are the same for all of them. Paddle days will be July 12, 13, and 14. Please, only sign up if you can paddle all three days. Our sunset paddle on July 13th is optional.
I will be camping at Crane Prairie Resort, which is next to the Crane Prairie Campground and boat launch, from July 11-14th.
Besides kayaking, there is hiking nearby, as well as the almost-obligatory trip to Elk Lake Resort for ice cream, a meal, or a libation! https://elklakeresort.net/dining/
Registrants are responsible for finding their own campsites or lodging. Driving up daily from Bend or Sunriver is possible if you don’t want to camp, or can’t find lodging, by the lakes. If you want to share a campsite, you may want to wait a few days to see who registers before making any campsite reservations.
This website lists public campgrounds: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=38280&actid=29
Here is the link to Crane Prairie Campground (many sites available): https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=38828&actid=29
Here is the link for privately-managed Crane Prairie RESORT, though they only had RV-only sites available when I checked: https://www.craneprairieresort.com/ They do have a store, which could be convenient. I managed to get one of their three campsites (with electricity and showers), and that’s honestly what the dates for this 3-trip series are based on!"The showers are coin operated and open daily from 7am to 7pm. You can exchange cash for quarters here at the Resort store."
I have specified minimum Farmer John wetsuit, but we may be able to forego immersion wear depending on air and water temperatures. Please bring along immersion wear. I have led OOPS trips on Sparks and Hosmer Lakes, but not on Crane Prairie Reservoir.
Proposed trip lineup (subject to change, but the dates we paddle won’t change, and any trip will be Level 1):
July 12: Sparks Lake (6-10 miles). 10:00 a.m. arrival/10:45 launch. We launch from the Day Use Area. Vault toilets. $5/day parking fee which can be purchased onsite or use one of several passes: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/recarea/?recid=39014 (Note: Information on the website, which states that the Day Use Area is closed, is outdated. It is, in fact, open.)
July 13: Hosmer Lake (6 miles). 10:00 a.m. arrival/10:45 launch. Hosmer Lake Boating site; vault toilets; $5/day parking fee which can be purchased onsite or use one of several passes: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/recarea/?recid=38998
July 13 evening: Crane Prairie Reservoir NE Sunset Trip (3-6 miles). The nearly-full moon rises about 8:30 p.m. while the sun sets at 8:50 p.m. We’ll be on the water around 7 p.m. and off around 9:00 p.m. Bring a white light, flashlight, or headlamp for your boat and possibly to help you see when loading your boat, “just in case.” Launching from Crane Prairie Boating Site.
July 14: Crane Prairie Reservoir SW (8 miles). 10:00 a.m. arrival/10:45 launch. We’ll launch from either the Rock Creek Boating Site (a.k.a. Rock Creek Campground Boat Ramp) or the Crane Prairie Boating Site (between Crane Prairie Campground and Crane Prairie Resort). Power boats going less than 10 mph are allowed on this lake, but I’ve been told that they’re not a problem and that the wildlife viewing is great. Vault toilets. $5/day parking fee which can be purchased onsite or use one of several passes:
Crane Prairie Reservoir: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=71859
Crane Prairie Boating Site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38830
Rock Creek Boating Site: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/recarea/?recid=38976
Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Sparks Lake Day Use Area (see Narrative)
Take out: same
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s):
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: 6
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 65-85
Estimated Water Temperature: 50-65
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5-6 hours
Tide times & heights:
Current information:
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:
Location (Optional): Sparks Lake Day Use Area
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
