Come on out for a great winter paddle on the Columbia River! We will travel upstream from Kalama staying on the west side and at Goat Island we will take the channel on its west side. If the water level is too low we may have to portage at the south end of this channel. We will then cross the river and proceed down the Martin Slough with a possible side trip into the Martin Lagoon (depending on water levels). From here we will head down river, back to our launch point. This is a great paddle where you finally get to see those areas that were just a blur as you were speeding along on I5.
This is a level 2 paddle, so be ready for possible wind and waves. We will be crossing the shipping lanes twice so we will all need to be vigilant. Being a winter paddle, bring hot food/liquids and warm clothing. A drysuit is required. Bring VHF radios and towlines if you have them.
Our launch will be from the sandy beach at the south end of Louis Rasmussen Park, just north of the Ahles Point Cabin. There is a porta-potty here.
Please arrive in enough time (9AM as a minimum) so that we can have a 9:45AM shore talk and leave directly afterwards.
The expected trip length is about 14 statute miles (12.2NM) with a return by about 4PM.
If the weather is too severe the paddle will be postponed.
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
Tides: High 6:38AM 3.54', Low 2:02PM 0.27', High 6:42PM 3.07'
Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: North of Ahles Point Cabin - 333 N Hendrickson Dr, Kalama, WA 9862
Take out: North of Ahles Point Cabin - 333 N Hendrickson Dr, Kalama, WA 9862
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Jerry Stole (TO Candidate)
Co-Organizer(s): Will Greenough (TO Mentor)
Maximum number of paddlers: 6
Estimated Air Temperature: 40s
Estimated Water Temperature: 40s
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 6 hours
Tide times & heights: H 6:38AM 3.54', L 2:02PM 0.27', H 6:42PM 3.07'
Current information: 2 kts
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 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 3: 11 to 15 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Between 0.5 and 1 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: This is a level 2 paddle since all conditions are level 2 except the overall length which is level 3
Location: North of Ahles Point Cabin - 333 N Hendrickson Dr, Kalama, WA 9862
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: Kalama Temco Terminal
