Columbia River - Cottonwood Island, L2, 9-13-22

 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: Will Greenough
Activity Title: Columbia River - Cottonwood Island, L2, 9-13-22
Date of Activity: 9/13/2022
Narrative: Launching from Gearhart Gardens Park in Longview, we'll paddle out the mouth of the Cowlitz River and then clockwise around Cottonwood Island. After a break at the south end of the island, we'll cross the river and explore the basalt cliffs along Trojan Park and Coffin Rock. We will then re-cross the river and paddle north along the outside of Cottonwood Island and then back into the Cowlitz to the put-in. This paddle is about 13 nautical miles (15 statute miles) long with a bit of paddling against the current in the Cowlitz to get back to the launch.
Meeting Time: 9:15:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Cowlitz River access from the east end of the first paved pull in at Gearhart Gardens Park. From I-5 northbound, take the WA432 exit westbound toward Longview. Immediately upon crossing the bridge over the Cowlitz River take the first exit and turn right (east) onto the Frontage Road. After a very short distance, turn left (north) onto Freedom Way and then turn right into the first parking lot for Gearhart Gardens Park. There will be a dog park on your right. If you've gone to the boat launch, you have gone too far.
Take out: Same as put-in.
Route Alternative for bad weather: Cancel
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: None
Primary Organizer: Will Greenough
Assistant Organizer(s): Patti Swanson
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:
Maximum number of paddlers: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 75
Estimated Water Temperature: 70
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 6 hours
Tide times & heights: Longview:
Low 0128 0.2'
High 0604 3.7'
Low 1316 0.3'
High 1814 4.4'
Current information: maximum of 2kt
Hazards: Shipping traffic
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects 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 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Total distance: Level 3: 11 to 15 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:
Location (Optional): Gearhart Garden Park
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip must, be vaccinated for Covid-19