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.
Please note, not following the cancellation procedures may affect your ability to register for future trips and events.
Cancellations
Already on the Roster
If you register for this event and find that you are unable to attend please cancel on the website or the WA mobile app. 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. If you are using the WA mobile app, select the three bars in the upper left hand corner and choose “Tickets” from the drop down menu. Locate the trip and select “CANCEL” located next to “Member Registration”. It would also be helpful if you notified the primary organizer of your cancellation via text, phone or email.
Notifying the Primary Organizer
The primary organizer’s name can be found in the Narrative of the trip on the website. To e-mail the organizer directly, 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. If you have their phone number you can text them as well.
Cancelling off the Waitlist
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 from the website or the WA mobile app. 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 or texting the Trips Director at OOPS Trips (trips@oopskayak.org
) and the primary trip organizer. This will ensure that others who joined the waitlist after you are given more notice should space on the paddle become available.
Narrative: Did you hesitate on signing up for Michael Kipley's Estacada Lake paddle on Opt-Out Friday? Or already have plans? And then totally feel like you missed out when you read his trip report and realized how much fun it was? Me too!!
I got personal permission from Michael to re-run ("steal") his trip idea and use it for my 3rd and final mentored paddle with Mel Wishan, Dave Smith and Joe Howell.
Estacada Lake (River Mill Lake) is a narrow canyon with interesting cliffs and even a few overhangs and small caves. We may see osprey, egrets or otters. The thought of a crisp winter paddle with waterfalls, birds, foggy vistas and a slingshot water feature sounds perfect for New Year's Day. I hope you think so too.
Join us on this afternoon paddle with a 11am launch on New Year's Day 2024. Sleep in. Spend a nice afternoon kayaking with us. We'll easily be off the water by 3pm.
Launch:
We’ll launch from Milo McGiver State Park ESTACADA BOAT LAUNCH, 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada, OR 97023. No daily fees or passes are required on Jan 1 2024
Important Notes:
1. We might be able to get out of our boats for a break as we reach the far end of the lake, but it's not likely. If we can't get out of our boats, we'll take an in-boat break or skip the break. There is a vault toilet at the launch / take out.
2. The water will be quite cold. Drysuits are required and gloves / beanies are a good idea.
Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Milo McGiver State Park 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada OR 97023, ESTACADA LAKE LAUNCH
Take out: Milo McGiver State Park 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada OR 97023
Route Alternative for bad weather: None. Trip will proceed in rain / light wind.
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Susan Dininni
Co-Organizer(s): This is a mentored trip. Mel Wishan is my mentor. Dave Smith and Joe Howell are available to lead an additional group if we get a large waitlist. (Last year there were 24 signups.)
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: 24
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 30-40's F
Estimated Water Temperature: Below 40
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 hours
Tide Station: NA. Influenced by the hydro power station releases.
Tide times & heights: NA
Current information: Clackamas River at Estacada
Discharge rates vary from 1000 cfs to 15,000 cfs as of Dec 3 2023.
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
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 3: Bad footing, rocky shores, or surf up to 1.5'
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: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Level 2: Because Estacada Lake offers no reliable take-out opportunities. There is a rocky shoal at the turn around, but it looked dicey in Nov 2023 and no one tried on that trip. Most of the shore is steep with plenty of poison ivy. There is also the potential for discharge current at the end of the lake. Trip length will be slightly over 6 miles, due to on-water activities.
Location: 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada OR 97023 (Milo McGiver State Park UPPER Boat Launch
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Link to map of route (Optional)
