Conditions are beyond level 2. This trip is cancelled.
What a great way to get back on the water after a tough weather week, and also get in the mood for the OOPS Open House that night!
Please join Will G. and me for my next mentored paddle, from Cedaroak to the base of Willamette Falls, where we'll have an opportunity to play in dynamic water before we return. This is a somewhat challenging "energizer" L2 paddle overall (wind, current, landings, distance, maybe sea state), and we plan to push it a little going upriver so we can average 3.5 mph paddling against a 1.5 kt current for 2 mph made good. We are tidal here, with a 2 foot rise while we're on the river. Helmets are *required* if you want to play at the base of the falls, where conditions are more challenging.
For me, the fun at the falls is getting into some moving water and "facing the current" by bracing and edging, continually adjusting to maintain my heading and position. I'm forced to get out of my head and develop my physical intuition. And I love the sights and varied geography on this stretch of the river, a nice mix of fancy places, industrial sites, and undeveloped green spaces.
We'll put-in at the lovely Cedaroak Boat Ramp in West Linn, and head upriver, staying on our right (river left) as we paddle close to the northeastern side of Goat Island, avoiding but observing the possibly turbulent flow coming from the Clackamas River. We continue under the I-205 bridge, crossing to river right, and get close (but not too close!) to the base of the falls where those who want to, and have helmets, can play in the dynamic water. The water is cold, so let's *not* practice rescues here; you can practice in the lagoon back at Cedaroak when we return. We'll play at the base of the falls for 20 to 30 minutes, then we head back, basically retracing our path, but stopping at Goat Island for lunch/snack/biobreak. If the Goat Island inlet is open, we'll take it, and stop along the island's southwestern shore. If Goat Island is not accessible, we'll stop nearby at Jon Storm Park (dock) or near Clackamette Park (open shore).
Note that the water is COLD, and we dress for water not air temperature -- you really need a drysuit with good insulation underneath -- if you get too warm, you can always bow-dip, soak your hat, or splash yourself. Pogies are a good idea, as is a good [insulated] rain hat. You always need food and water, but especially for paddling in the [mild] cold and [light] rain and [moderate] wind -- yup, a perfect trifecta paddle.
Hazards should be few, mostly strong currents at the base of the falls, potentially strong side current entering the Willamette from the Clackamas, and construction equipment in the river at the I-205 bridge.
There is plenty of free parking with good restrooms onsite at Cedaroak.
We follow the OOPS pod protocol, so please plan to stay with the group. Only for hard-shell Kayaks 12 feet or longer. This is a Level 2 trip -- wet exit certification is required, and you must wear a spray skirt.
The safety talk at 10:18 AM, and we launch at 10:31 AM.
This trip is limited to members. 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
Meeting Time: 9:42:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:31:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Cedaroak Boat Ramp
Take out: Cedaroak Boat Ramp
Route Alternative for bad weather: shorten route
Required equipment: Helmet
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Joseph P. SKUDLAREK
Co-Organizer(s): Will Greenough
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: 6
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: high of 51
Estimated Water Temperature: mid 40s
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: Date Day Time (LST/LDT) Predicted (ft) High/Low
2024/01/24 Wed 12:09 AM 0.09 L
2024/01/24 Wed 04:06 AM 1.97 H
2024/01/24 Wed 10:29 AM 0.79 L
2024/01/24 Wed 03:36 PM 3.10 H
Current information: expect almost 2 kt
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 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 1: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: solid Level 2 -- moderate wind, light rain, notable current
Location: Cedaroak Boat Ramp || long/lat: 45.39083511455785, -122.62857055108518
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: 9439221 Portland Morrison Street Bridge
Link to map of route (Optional)https://drive.google.com/file/d/16YxoPqJXprVcE-F5Gqjjdx8c9jRQKUFk/view?usp=sharing
