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: I've been wanting to float this area of the Columbia for awhile. I hope I can find some folks to join me. This section has been described as the "lower gorge" and along the steep cliffs of the North river bank there are apparently wildflowers and other plants not otherwise found this far down river. I would also expect that we will see eagles and other nesting birds in the cliffs. We can cross the Cathlamet channel at the upper end of Puget Island for lunch and a bio break before floating on down to the marina. This is a 10nm float down river and thus will require a shuttle of vehicles. We will figure it out at the put -in, but please plan to assist the group by transporting a 2nd boat and passenger if possible, ; or running a shuttle with 1 or more passengers(20mile round trip). I am planning for a 40 min shuttle caravan leaving County Line Park at 9:00am sharp. I want to be on the water by 10:00 as afternoon wind may be a concern.
Please adhere to the following requirements:
kayaks must be 14ft or longer with skeg or rudder, sealed bulkheads and decklines.
I will need to check out the Mile 38 Brew Pub at the Marina after we get off the water and I invite you to join me:)
Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: County Line Park 2076-WA4, Cathlamet WA bathrooms available
Take out: Elochoman Marina, Cathlamet WA , I am advised that there is a 5$ use of marina ramp fee...
Route Alternative for bad weather: None
Required equipment: Towline
Minimum Immersion protection: Shorty wetsuit
Primary Organizer: Kent Slawson
Co-Organizer(s): Tom Waldron
Has organizer paddled here before? No
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: 1:4 up to 8 paddlers and 2 TO's I want to limit the group to keep shuttle logistics managable
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 75-85F
Estimated Water Temperature: 65f
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5hrs
Tide Station: Cape Horn
Tide times & heights: H:8:11am -4.8ft
L: 3:13pm - 0.76ft
Current information: we will be paddling on an Ebb tide with max current less than 2kn.
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 3: Waves to paddle tops; numerous whitecaps, waves becoming longer
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
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 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: this trip is rated at level 2. Afternoon up-river winds may turn the sea state to level 3... of course paddling upwind is tiring so consider your ability to keep up with a group. Shore landings may be limited in some sections. The potential also exists for some close encounters with ship traffic as the channel runs right up the north bank above Puget Island.
Location (Optional):
Photos (Optional): yes
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
