A chilly day in Skamokawa - L2 - T2602

When
January 11, 2026
9:00 AM
Location
Vista Park Day Use Beach Area
Spaces left
3
Registered
6 registrants

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Full Name:: Brenda . Brewer
Narrative:: It's January - yay!
It's going to be chilly, likely rainy, and possibly quite windy - what better day to join Brenda and Steve to explore Skamokawa? We will launch from the Day Use Area beach ($5.00 fee at the office). We will do one of two routes, depending on the wind:
1. Head North along the shore to Three Tree Point then cross over to Grassy Island, paddle to Welch Island, and cross back to the beach.
2. Cross immediately to Welch Island, paddle North to Grassy Island, cross again to Three Tree Point, and noodle our way back among the eddies.
Will make the final determination depending on the conditions. With the high waters, we may not find a lot of places for bio breaks, but we will do our best there.

Please note - this may evolve into a Level 3 trip, with the potential for higher winds and choppy, confused waters during crossings, possibly with a sharp following wind. It will also be rather chilly, and the water temp is about 40 degrees F. Additionally, the shipping channel runs very close to the Washington shore, where we may also find eddies and whirlpools. Some folks enjoy these types of conditions, for others they are a bit beyond their comfort level. Please think of your own comfort and skills when considering this trip.

If you have a tow line and are comfortable using it, please bring it with you. Helmets are not required, but can help keep your head dry if it is raining. Please wear warm woolies under your dry suit, and bring a set of spare clothes. A thermos of hot tea or soup might be a fine idea as well. A storm cag or oversized jacket may help keep you warm at the break spots. A compass could prove helpful as well. Last, we all stay together and help each other, esp with carrying boats (it's a bit of a carry), unloading, and loading, and we will all have fun together :)

Meeting Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Vista Park Day Use Beach Area - 5 Vista Park Road, Skamokawa Valley, WA
Take out:: Vista Park Day Use Beach Area - 5 Vista Park Road, Skamokawa Valley, WA
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Shorten the trip, stay on the Washington side, cancel trip
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Brenda C Brewer
Co-Organizer(s):: Steve Blackwood
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:: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: Low 40's at start, up to mid 40's by end
Estimated Water Temperature:: 40 degrees
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 3-4 hours
Tide times & heights:: 7:58 am - High tide at 7.38 feet
3:24 pm - Low tide at 1.64 feet
9:05 pm - High tide at 5.2 feet

Current information:: Less than 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 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 2: Between 0.5 and 1 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 2
Rating Comments:: 1. Due to high water, there may not be many places for bio breaks. 2. In case trip evolves into Level 3, Steve Blackwood is an Advanced Trip Organizer.
Location:: Vista Park Day Use Beach Area - 5 Vista Park Road, Skamokawa Valley, WA
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: Skamokawa
Link to map of route (Optional):
:

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon