Bachelor Island on Easter Sunday - L2 - T2620

Full Name:: Brenda C. Brewer
Narrative:: Paddling around Bachelor Island is a great way to celebrate Early Spring here in the PNW, and our wonderful Spring Holidays!

We will start from Lake River Kayak Launch, head downstream on Lake River to Bachelor Slough, turning left there and following it to the Mighty Columbia River. Once there, we will turn right again and we usually stop for a brief bio break right past the confluence; we have paddled about 3 nautical miles by then. After our break, and avoiding the wing dams, we will continue downstream (North) about 3 nautical miles, to where Lake River meets the Mighty Columbia. We will cross Lake River and stop at the nice beach area there for lunch/snacks/bio breaks. This is a good place to practice your roll, or a rescue, if you feel so inclined (Brr!). Once we are all ready, we will head upstream on Lake River, back to our launch site, another 2 nautical miles or so. All told, we are looking at just over 8 nautical miles, or about 9-10 statute miles. We usually see a lot of birds on this trip, and occasionally seals and sea lions.

Please give yourself enough time to arrive by 9:15, safety talk at 9:45, and launch by 10. There's a real bathroom on the way in - the parking lot for the motor boat launch. There is no parking fee at the kayak launch. We will have an ebb tide for our entire trip, which will help us paddle down the Mighty Columbia. Aside from shipping traffic, other hazards will include wing dams, fishing boats, and cold water. The weather will be in the low 40's in the morning, with a chance of rain all day - please bundle up under your dry suit, consider a warm hat, and consider a thermos of hot tea/coffee/soup along with your lunch. You may also want to bring a set of dry clothes just in case, and a storm cag or large jacket to help stay warm on our breaks. If you have a tow line and are comfortable using it, please bring that as well. Easter Bunny and other holiday attire and accessories are entirely optional.
Meeting Time:: 9:15:00 AM
Launch Time:: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Take out:: Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Shorten the trip, stay inside Bachelor Island, cancel
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Brenda C Brewer
Co-Organizer(s):: Paige Light-Powell
Has organizer paddled here before?: Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before?: Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current?: Yes
First Aid /CPR Person::
Maximum number of paddlers:: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: low-mid 40's in the am, up to low 60's by afternoon
Estimated Water Temperature:: Approx 45
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 5 -5.5 hours
Tide times & heights:: Per St. Helen's Tide Station:
Low Tide: 2:02 am
High Tide: 7:12 am
Low Tide: 3:39 pm
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 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::
Location:: Lake River Ridgefield Kayak Launch 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642
Photos (Optional):: yes
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: St. Helens
Link to map of route (Optional):