Salmon River Scenic Paddle L2

Full Name:: Shari Bandes
Email address:: sbandes@gmail.com
Activity Title:: Salmon River Scenic Paddle L2
Date of Activity:: 6/14/2026
Narrative:: Come join us out at the coast for a scenic paddle on the Salmon River. Members new to this paddle area are particularly encouraged to join. This is a very small river with a variety of coastal features.

We will launch from Knight Park and first head west the short mile to the river mouth to get a view of the ocean beneath Cascade Head. We will be paddling against the incoming tide, so this will make a nice warmup for our day. We do not plan to stop at the beach or go into the ocean.

We will then turn around and have the tidal flood assisting us as we paddle past the launch site and continue upstream as the river meanders through fields and farmland. Depending on the conditions for the day and energy levels, we may paddle as far as the second bridge just below the town of Otis. After taking a lunch break, we will start our return during slack tide and have a slight assist as we approach our takeout back at Knight Park. Total trip will be about 7-8 nautical miles.

Since we don’t have any idea of what the weather will be like this far in advance, more details will be sent out prior to the trip.

NOTE: This put-in is about 2 hours from Portland. Please plan to arrive in time to launch together. Carpooling is encouraged.

There are vault toilets at Knight Park but no water. Parking is free. Just don’t park in the boat trailer spaces. Bring a lunch or snacks and water, and maybe some dry clothes. Due to the dock situation that Ken recently emailed about, we may need to carry boats over a little mud if the water’s too low to use the boat ramp.
Meeting Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Knight Park, 2341 N 3 Rocks Rd, Otis, OR 97368
Take out:: Knight Park
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Shorter paddle or cancel
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Farmer John
Primary Organizer:: Shari Bandes (TO candidate)
Co-Organizer(s):: Ken Sund (TO mentor)
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:: 55
Estimated Water Temperature:: 55
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 4 hrs
Tide times & heights:: Low: 06:59 AM (-1.67)
High: 01:02 PM (5.46)
Low: 05:57 PM (2.66)
Current information:: 1-2 knots
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:: Hard to predict the weather (winds/temps) this far out. More info will be emailed to participants prior to the trip.
Location:: https://www.google.com/maps/place//@45.0414539,-123.9947334,633m
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: 9436381 Cascade Head, Salmon River, OR
Link to map of route (Optional):
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