Yale Lake in the Spring! - L2 - T2628

When
May 10, 2026
9:00 AM
Location
Yale Lake Boat Launch
Spaces left
4
Registered
6 registrants

Registration

Members with wet exit certification
Active club members with wet exit certification, including kayaking professional and lifetime.
TO and Safety
Password Reserved for TO use

Full Name:: David Nesson
Narrative:: Come join David and Brenda on a lovely Mother’s Day paddle!

Yale Lake is a beautiful reservoir in Washington State, between Lake Merwin and Swift Lake - all part of the Lewis River. It was created in 1953, with the construction of the Yale Dam. It’s a good fishing lake, and also a pretty area to paddle in.

We will put in at Yale Park, paddle to the right and across the lake, eventually heading up a small canyon. There, we will find a place for a bio/snack break, and then paddle back to Yale Park. The winds tend to kick up in the afternoons, especially from the Southeast, which would be right in our faces as we paddle back. Due to this, we will plan to paddle a bit early - we will meet at 9 am and launch at 9:30 am.

It’s about an hour and a half drive from Portland - you may want to carpool. From the I-5 Woodland, Washington Exit #21, take Highway 503 East, approximately 29 miles to Yale Park on the right. Please allow yourself enough time to get there and be ready to paddle by 9:30 without stressing out.

Dry suits are required d/t the water temp. If you are comfortable using a two belt, please bring it. Due to the winds we may encounter, please bring a boat at least 14’ long with flotation, and also some experience paddling against the headwinds. The parking fee does not start until Memorial Day weekend. Also Just a FYI. There is little to no Cell service here.
Meeting Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Yale Lake Boat Launch, Lewis River Road (Highway 503), Ariel, WA
Take out:: Yale Lake Boat Launch, Lewis River Road (Highway 503), Ariel, Wa
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Shorten the trip, hug one side.
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: David Nesson
Co-Organizer(s):: Brenda Brewer
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:: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: Low 50’s in the am, up to mid 60’s by afternoon
Estimated Water Temperature:: About 47 - 50 degrees
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 4 hours
Tide times & heights:: N/A
Current information:: Level 2: Up to 2 k/hour
Hazards::
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 2: Between 0.5 and 1 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 2
Rating Comments:: Level 2 because of distance and possible higher wind gusts. can cause a bumpy ride on the paddle back.
Location:: Yale Lake Boat Launch, Lewis River Road (Highway 503), Ariel, WA
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: N/A
Link to map of route (Optional): https://maps.app.goo.gl/3Posq7vVnvsNZx178

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon