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: Before the OOPS Salmon Bake and Gear Swap - come join Peggy and Steve for a 3-hour morning paddle from Lake River into the Columbia and back. Depending on conditions we'll cross the Columbia River to Warrior Rock or paddle down to explore the mouth of the Lewis River where it dumps into the Columbia. We'll paddle about 6.5-8 miles.
If you have never been to this area before you'll love the wildlife, big ships, and cultural history. Did you know this part of Bachelor Island hosts the largest Great blue heron nesting areas in the Pacific Northwest? We might also see eagles, osprey, river otters, and black tail deer. We'll also encounter some interesting ships moving up and down the Columbia. And who can resist all those amazing bird houses that are viewed as we paddle north on Lake River?
Okay - here is our safety spiel. By the end of September the air and water temperatures cool off. Plan to wear a full wetsuit or drysuit with appropriate underlayers, since our paddle begins at 9:00 am with air temps in the 50's/low 60's and the Columbia River in the 50's. This is a Level 2 paddle, so please bring your spray skirt. Also pack yummy snacks and plenty of water.
Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch
Take out: ( same) Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: We can paddle south on Lake River toward Vancouver Lake - it is protected from the wind in this direction.
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Steve Blackwood
Co-Organizer(s): Bob Freshman
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: Peggy Liggit and Steve Blackwood
Maximum number of paddlers: 12
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: lows in the 50's - highs in the 70's
Estimated Water Temperature: low 50's
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 hrs
Tide Station: St. Helens, Oregon
Tide times & heights: 23 Sat Low 8:06 AM 0.37 ft
23 Sat High 1:28 PM 1.16 ft
23 Sat Low 5:49 PM 0.73 ft
23 Sat High 11:37 PM 2.58 ft
Current information: 1 - 2 knots
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 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Lake River is a Level 1 paddle, and we will be paddling into and possibly across the Columbia where wind and current shift the conditions up to Level 2.
Location: Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch, 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
