Fall Skamokawa Trip - Vista Park - L2 - T2683

When
October 09, 2026
9:30 AM
Location
Skamokawa Vista Park
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Full Name:: Brenda C Brewer
Narrative:: Come join Brenda and Paige for a loop paddle in Skamokawa! This is a beautiful area of the lower Columbia River, about 1 1/2 hour drive NW from Portland.

Low tide is at 8:21 am, so we will meet at the Vista Park Boat Ramp at 9:30 and plan to launch by 10 -10:15. There is a $5.00 cash fee at the boat launch, or you may pay with cash or card at the office on the way in. We will help each other unload boats at the small boat ramp and then park in the parking area just across the road. There is a (real!) bathroom near the parking area. This boat ramp is also used by fishing boats, so we will be mindful and courteous; it can also be muddy at lower tides. This is an L-2 trip, which means a spray skirt and wet exit certification are required. Morning temps predicted for upper 40's - mid 50's, with a high of 61 - please wear your dry suit. There is a fair amount of boat traffic on the Columbia - fishing boats and also the enormous tankers, which can throw a significant wake. We will minimize our time in the shipping channel.

Once we launch, we will paddle across to the Northern end of Welch Island, where there's a small sandy beach area. If anyone needs a quick bio break, we can do that. From there, we can head towards the marker at Fitzgerald Island, and then to Grassy Island, for a lunch/bio break. There will be time to practice rescues at Grassy Island, for those who are interested - we would be happy to work with you on these. Once we're loaded up again, we''ll head due North across the Mighty Columbia to the marker at Three Tree Point, and turn right to noodle our way back to the launch site, with a quick bio break along the way. It should be just about high tide when we return to the boat launch, with plenty of water. Along the way, we may see sea lions, eagles, and other wildlife. The shipping channel runs close to the Washington shore in this area.

Altogether this is about 6.5 nautical miles, or 7.5 statute miles. We will have an incoming tide for most of the way, which can give us an assist as we noodle back to the boat ramp. The river is about a mile across here and the winds frequently pick up, which can make the crossings challenging. This will be a more enjoyable trip for you if you have experience crossing in winds. Please bring lunch, water, sun screen, hat, a tow belt if you're comfortable using one, a compass if you're comfortable using one, and a boat that's at least 14' long with bulkheads and hatches. Bringing a chart is strongly encouraged, although not required. We plan to be off the water by about 2:30, to help each other load boats. There are restaurants in nearby Cathlamet for those who are inclined. I believe the I-5 closure will still be in place, so be careful driving home. If you have any questions or concerns about this paddle, feel free to text Brenda at 941-504-4513

Meeting Time:: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time:: 10:15:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Vista Park Boat Ramp - 5 Vista Park Rd, Skamokawa WA
Take out:: Vista Park Boat Ramp - 5 Vista Park Rd, Skamokawa WA
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Shorten the trip, skip the crossing, 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:: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: Low-mid 50's in am, high in low 60's
Estimated Water Temperature:: low-mid 60's
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 5 hours
Tide times & heights:: Low tide: 8:21 am. - 0.34 feet.
High tide: 1:56 pm. + 7.46 feet.
Low tide: 8:52 pm. - 0.52 feet.
Current information:: 1-1.5 knots
Hazards:: Shipping traffic
Wind strength:: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Waves, Swell, Breaking Waves: 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 3: 1 to 2 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 2
Rating Comments::
Location:: Vista Park Boat Ramp - 5 Vista Park Rd, Skamokawa 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