Oregon Ocean Paddling Society upcoming events

Fall Colors at Coldwater Lake - L2 - T2680 (October 03, 2026)

Sat, 03 Oct 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Full Name:: Jim Clute
Narrative:: Join Jim Clute (& David Nesson) for a road-trip paddle on Coldwater Lake near Mt. St. Helen's to see the Fall Colors!

We should have few visitors and little boat traffic to distract us from the fall colors on the lake's surrounding mountain sides.

The Mount St. Helen's 1980 eruption blocked Coldwater Creek, forming what's now Coldwater Lake: a 3+ miles long & 800' - 3200' wide lake with a mild current. It's lined by mountain slopes rising up to 2000' above the lake with higher peaks beyond!

The lake has the potential for unpredicted afternoon winds... so we'll aim for an early start!

At the time of posting... the weather forecast looks great, but the weather can be variable this time of year, so please bring clothing to accommodate possible surprises! Even with the "sunny day" forecast at the time of posting... both the water and air temps will still be cool at the lake's 2400' elevation. Please layer under your dry suit!

We'll take a lunch break at the far end of the lake amid its sand beach with logs to sit on.

There is a $5.00 fee for our Parking Area / Day Use Area, which can be satisfied with a Northwest Forest Pass, an America the Beautiful Pass, or by paying a day-use fee via an automated cashless machine at the site.
Meeting Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Coldwater lake trailhead, Toutle, WA 98649
Take out:: Coldwater lake trailhead, Toutle, WA 98649
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Shorter paddle
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Jim Clute
Co-Organizer(s):: David Nesson
Has organizer paddled here before?: No
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:: 12
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: 45F - 60F
Estimated Water Temperature:: 55 - 60F
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 4 hours
Tide times & heights:: N/A
Current information::
Hazards::
Wind strength:: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Waves, Swell, Breaking Waves: 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 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents:: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
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:: We may purposefully take a longer (~0.6 mile) crossing route for Jim's TO training needs
Location:: Coldwater lake trailhead, Toutle, WA 98649
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://www.google.com/maps/place/Coldwater+Lake+Trailhead/@46.2910612,-122.2691824,779m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x5496a254f45ec8e9:0x40a949d2f901420!8m2!3d46.2921872!4d-122.2664202!16s%2Fg%2F11cmy53165?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAwMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D
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Chinook Landing to Puffin Café (RT) - L2 - T2681 (October 06, 2026)

Tue, 06 Oct 2026 16:15:00 GMT

Full Name:: Shari Bandes
Narrative:: Tuesday is forecast to be a beautiful Fall day, with possible sunshine and only light wind. Let’s go paddle and eat!

We’ll launch out of Chinook Landing Marine Park (off NE Marine Drive) and paddle across the Columbia River to Lady Island where we’ll head upriver to the east end of the island. From there we’ll continue up the Washington side of the Columbia just a bit further to the Washougal/Camas boat launch where we’ll paddle up to our dockside lunch spot.

No pre-packed peanut butter and jelly sandwich needed for this paddle! On this day, we’ll visit the Puffin Cafe (on the docks) and enjoy lunch at this cute little floating establishment. We can tie our boats up next to the cafe and enjoy lunch in the marina. They have both indoor and outdoor seating.

After our meal, we’ll head back downriver. It will be low tide, but I’m hoping we can still find a channel into the Camas Slough, in order to paddle around the north side of Lady Island. If we are not able to get through, we will return along the south side of Lady Island. Our last section of the paddle will be a return crossing of the Columbia as we head back to Chinook Landing on the Oregon side.

If you want to preview the menu for the Puffin Cafe in advance you can look it up at www.puffincafe.com.

Bring rope for securing your boat to the dock at the marina while we enjoy our lunch. Also, for ease in splitting the lunch bill, it’s best to bring cash.

NOTE: There is a $5.00 parking fee. You can either pay at the kiosk as you enter, or there is another kiosk nearest the bathrooms. The boat ramp may not be very busy on this weekday morning, but please try to park off to the side while unloading your kayak and be mindful of other boaters as they also try to access the ramp.

Our mileage for the day is expected to be around 8-10 miles.
Meeting Time:: 9:15:00 AM
Launch Time:: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Chinook Landing Marine Park, 5201 NE 223rd Ave, Fairview, OR 97024, https://maps.app.goo.gl/1VgpKZSaBp65vLA37
Take out:: Chinook Landing Marine Park
Route Alternative for bad weather:: TBD
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Shorty wetsuit
Primary Organizer:: Shari Bandes
Co-Organizer(s):: Ken Sund
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:: 66ºF
Estimated Water Temperature:: 61ºF
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 4-5 hours
Tide times & heights:: H: 4:10 am (1.3); L: 12:14 pm (0.2); H: 5:17 pm (1.1)
Current information:: 1-2 knots
Hazards:: Shipping traffic
Wind strength:: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Waves, Swell, Breaking Waves: 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::
Location::5201 NE 223rd Ave, Fairview, OR 97024, https://maps.app.goo.gl/1VgpKZSaBp65vLA37
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: Washougal, WA
Link to map of route (Optional):

Wet Wednesday Winter Wakeup - L2 - T2682 (October 07, 2026)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 21:30:00 GMT

Full Name:: Jon Light-Powell
Narrative:: This Wet Wednesday is dedicated to making sure that your winter immersion gear is ready and working (and so are you).
We will meet at the Motorized Boat Launch (NOT THE KAYAK LAUNCH) because it is after Sept 15th and you can park in the trailer slots.
meet at 2:30 for a 3:00 launch. We want to be off the water by 6:00 because it is getting dark early again.

We will do a dry suit swim test before we paddle up to the Narrows for rescue and rolling practice. The weather is looking to be nice.

Meeting Time:: 2:30:00 PM
Launch Time:: 3:00:00 PM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Willamette Park Motorized Boat Ramp Bernet Landing 89Q2+M2 West Linn, Oregon
Take out:: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Stay close to the launch
Required equipment:: Helmet
Minimum Immersion protection:: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer:: Jon Light-Powell
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:: 12 (10 + 2)
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: 75
Estimated Water Temperature:: 60
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 3 hours
Tide times & heights:: NA
Current information:: Less than 1 knot
Hazards::
Wind strength:: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Waves, Swell, Breaking Waves: 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 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
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:: Recheck the wind on Tuesday
Location:: 89Q2+M2 West Linn, Oregon
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: NA
Link to map of route (Optional):
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Put in::
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CANCELLED - Oregon City Pool Time P2606 (October 10, 2026)

Sat, 10 Oct 2026 23:00:00 GMT

REGISTRATION OPENS 2 WEEKS BEFORE SESSON. Announcement will go out at that time.

Bring your boat, you Helmet, and your safety gear for Pool Practice at Oregon City Pool. . This is your chance to practice all the things that you are unwilling to risk in the open cold water.

There is an $15.00 fee for this event. This fee is non-refundable. If you have to join a Waitlist this does not require a registration fee. Payment required when a person gets a place at this event.

YOU MUST HAVE A SIGNED ELECTRONIC WAIVER ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SESSION !! (if you don't, contact membership@oopskayak.org)

Admission To This Event is First Come First Serve.

There are 2 sessions as designated by the ticket types. You can get a ticket for either session but not for both (the website will only allow you one ticket). Each session is 1 hour.

HELMETS VERY STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.
This is a small area with hard sides and lots of moving paddles. If you have a helmet please bring and wear. Pretty much any helmet will be better than a bare head. Bike Helmet? Climbing Helmet? If you have an extra helmet, you might bring that as well.

BRING A CLEAN BOAT !!

Location:

Oregon City Swimming Pool, 1211 Jackson St, Oregon City, OR 97045

Please adhere to the following guidelines:

There’s a large fenced concrete pad area for staging boats just outside the pool on 12th Street. Do not bring you boat inside the pool facility until the organizer clears entry with pool personnel. Please move your car after you unload your boat to make room for others. There’s adequate parking just down the street.

Please arrive with a clean boat. There is a hose inside the facility to wash the chlorine off your gear before leaving.

Lockers that can be secured with a lock are available. Bring your own lock or rent one for $1. People usually stow their belongings in their gear bag pool side but it’s up to you. The facility also has a changing area and showers.

Helmets are strongly encouraged, especially if you are planning to roll. The pool has a shallow and deep end. A snorkel mask will help prevent chlorine from getting into your nose and eyes.

A limited amount of registrants (2) can arrange for Experienced Assistance during the pool session (e.g. A rolling spotter in the shallow end). This must be signed off by the Trips Director or Safety Director before the event. Members Assisting others others do not have to pay but are not allowed to bring boats. This would set the Total maximum capacity: 12 members = 9 participants + 1 TO. + 2 "Helper/Instructors". 10 boats + 2 extra people

For the 4:00 Session, arrive at 3:45.
For the 5:00 Session, arrive at 4:45.

We are required to have our boats out of the facility by the end of the session. Plan to start removing boats 5 minutes before the end of the hour. Boats can be placed on the fenced concrete staging area just outside the pool. Participants are allowed to reenter the facility to utilize the showers and changing areas after the boats are staged outside.

All participants are be required to have signed the standard OOPS online Waiver. If you haven't signed the online waiver, contact Membership@oopskayak.org for help in getting this done.

Please plan on assisting others load their boats onto their cars after the event.

Contact the Trips Director if you have any questions. (trips@oopskayak.org)

If you wish to get your Wet Exit Certification, please contact the Safety Director. (safety@oopkayak.org)

This trip is limited to members. To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account

CANCELLED - Oregon City Pool Time P2607 (November 14, 2026)

Sun, 15 Nov 2026 02:00:00 GMT

REGISTRATION OPENS 2 WEEKS BEFORE SESSON. Announcement will go out at that time.

Bring your boat, you Helmet, and your safety gear for Pool Practice at Oregon City Pool. . This is your chance to practice all the things that you are unwilling to risk in the open cold water.

YOU MUST HAVE A SIGNED ELECTRONIC WAIVER ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SESSION !! (if you don't, contact membership@oopskayak.org)

Admission To This Event is First Come First Serve.

There are 2 sessions as designated by the ticket types. You can get a ticket for either session but not for both (the website will only allow you one ticket). Each session is 1 hour.

BRING A CLEAN BOAT !!

Location:

Oregon City Swimming Pool, 1211 Jackson St, Oregon City, OR 97045

Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Please arrive with a clean boat. There is a hose inside the facility to wash the chlorine off your gear before leaving.

Helmets are strongly encouraged, especially if you are planning to roll. The pool has a shallow and deep end. A snorkel mask will help prevent chlorine from getting into your nose and eyes.

For the 6:00 Session, arrive at 5:45.
For the 7:00 Session, arrive at 6:45.

All participants are be required to have signed the standard OOPS online Waiver. If you haven't signed the online waiver, contact Membership@oopskayak.org for help in getting this done.

Please plan on assisting others load their boats onto their cars after the event.

Contact the Trips Director if you have any questions. (trips@oopskayak.org)

If you wish to get your Wet Exit Certification, please contact the Safety Director. (safety@oopkayak.org)

This trip is limited to members. To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account

CANCELLED - Oregon City Pool Time P2608 (November 28, 2026)

Sun, 29 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT

REGISTRATION OPENS 2 WEEKS BEFORE SESSON. Announcement will go out at that time.

Bring your boat, you Helmet, and your safety gear for Pool Practice at Oregon City Pool. . This is your chance to practice all the things that you are unwilling to risk in the open cold water.

YOU MUST HAVE A SIGNED ELECTRONIC WAIVER ON FILE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS SESSION !! (if you don't, contact membership@oopskayak.org)

Admission To This Event is First Come First Serve.

There are 2 sessions as designated by the ticket types. You can get a ticket for either session but not for both (the website will only allow you one ticket). Each session is 1 hour.

BRING A CLEAN BOAT !!

Location:

Oregon City Swimming Pool, 1211 Jackson St, Oregon City, OR 97045

Please adhere to the following guidelines:

Please arrive with a clean boat. There is a hose inside the facility to wash the chlorine off your gear before leaving.

Helmets are strongly encouraged, especially if you are planning to roll. The pool has a shallow and deep end. A snorkel mask will help prevent chlorine from getting into your nose and eyes.

For the 4:00 Session, arrive at 4:45.
For the 5:00 Session, arrive at 5:45.

All participants are be required to have signed the standard OOPS online Waiver. If you haven't signed the online waiver, contact Membership@oopskayak.org for help in getting this done.

Please plan on assisting others load their boats onto their cars after the event.

Contact the Trips Director if you have any questions. (trips@oopskayak.org)

If you wish to get your Wet Exit Certification, please contact the Safety Director. (safety@oopkayak.org)

This trip is limited to members. To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account

CANCELLED - Oregon City Pool Time P2609 (December 12, 2026)

Sun, 13 Dec 2026 00:00:00 GMT