Cascade Lakes Event - Sparks Lake. L1

This trip is for the Cascade Lakes Event. Registration will be available to Cascade Lake Event registered members only on the night before the trip. Signup will be at the event headquarters campsite.

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.

Narrative: Sparks Lake has always been my favorite Central Oregon paddling location! It’s beautiful all by itself, but with lots of little inlets and creeks to explore it’s always fun and interesting. The lake is also surrounded by gorgeous views of Mt Bachelor, South Sister and Broken Top so there is no shortage of photo opportunities. Plus, the water is super clear so you can always see the bottom of the lake and there are some great places to swim should you desire. While there are many beaches to stop for lunch on, it’s often hit or miss with the mosquitos so bring some bug spray if you’re worried. Sparks lake is a quiet lake with a speed limit of 10 mph, but on a typical day you usually only see kayaks, canoes and SUPs. Fish, birds, frogs and other wildlife are often seen throughout a day spent on Sparks lake.

Parking at the launch requires a Northwest Forrest pass or a Golden Age pass. Or you can purchase a $5.00 day pass at the launch. If you don’t have an annual pass please bring cash with you as I believe you place your money in an envelope and drop it in a lockbox.

The dirt road to the launch is short (maybe 1/4 mile), but is generally fairly dusty and bumpy. It’s also a busy place to park and launch so we’ll try to get an early start. Carpooling to the launch is suggested.

Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Sparks Lake boat ramp
Take out: Sparks Lake boat ramp
Route Alternative for bad weather: None
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: None
Primary Organizer: Teresa George
Co-Organizer(s): TBD
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: 65-75
Estimated Water Temperature: 65
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4-5 hours

Tide Station: N/A
Tide times & heights: N/A
Current information: N/A
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):
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19