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.
Cancellations
If you register for this event and find that you are unable to attend please cancel on the website. Members on the waitlist cannot be added to the roster or notified they are now eligible to attend unless your registration is removed from the trip. To cancel, go to the event registration page on the website and click on "Already Registered". A page will open that will allow you to cancel. It would also be helpful if you notified the primary organizer of your cancellation via text, phone or email.
To e-mail the organizer directly, once you have the name of the organizer, log into your OOPS account, select "Member Directory" under "Membership," search for the name of the organizer, click on their name, and press the "Send Message" button.
OOPS members who sign-up for a trip that is full will typically be automatically entered onto a waitlist. Unfortunately, our software doesn’t allow members to cancel off the waitlist. If you are on the waitlist for a trip and decide you don’t want to be considered for the roster please cancel by emailing the Trips Director at OOPS Trips (trips@oopskayak.org). This will ensure that others who joined the waitlist after you are given more notice should space on the paddle become available.
Narrative: Come explore the beautiful rocky shore, islands and views between Stevenson and Wind River. Last I checked the wildflowers were coming on strong. This is my favorite stretch of the Columbia, with interesting coves, rock formations, islands and often, dynamic water and wind.
The wind strength is hard to predict at this location. The forecast is 10-18mph from the west My hope is that if we get on the water early in the morning, it will be closer to 10mph However, you should be comfortable paddling in winds up to 20 mph if they come up. If the forecast changes and it looks like it will be stronger than 20 mph we will do a shuttle or postpone.
The Stevenson boat launch is about an hour drive from Portland. There is a porta potty at the launch site, and a changing room but no drinking water. There is no fee to park. There is a $3 toll each way to cross the Bridge of the Gods.
Bring a lunch or snack. There are a couple of options for getting out of our boats along the way. If there is interest we can gather after the paddle at Thunder Island Brew Pub in Cascade Locks or Walking Man Brewing in Stevenson.
Please adhere to the following kayak requirements:
14’ or longer
Must have a skeg or rudder
At least 2 bulkheads with sealed compartments front and rear
Perimeter deck lines
Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Cascade Boat Launch, SW Cascade Avenue, Stevenson, WA. 98648
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: One way downwind shuttle to Home Valley or postpone
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Connie Lively`
Co-Organizer(s): Tom Waldron
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: 68-80 F
Estimated Water Temperature: 58 F
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide Station: NA
Tide times & heights: NA
Current information: NA
Hazards:
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 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: I anticipate a Level 2 paddle with moderate winds (approx up to 14mph) but there is a potential for stronger winds.
Location (Optional): 45.69430° N, 121.87815° W. 60 SW. Cascade Ave, Stevenson, WA
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
