Narrative: "Start 2017 out right—on the water! Indeed, on New Year’s Day 2017, the sun, moon, and earth alignment will be perfect to create just the tide we need to paddle round-trip from Scappoose Bay Marina to Warrior Rock lighthouse and back with an 11 a.m. launch time. If the weather is uncooperative, the venue may change, but plan to join us somewhere. And for now, that somewhere is Scappoose Bay out to Warrior Rock. We might poke into the sloughs that line Scappoose Bay. There is sometimes ice in these shallow backwaters in winter. We might see huge ocean-going vessels heading to or from the Pacific once we reach the confluence with the Columbia. This is a trip that will leave many different impressions. We’ll paddle in pods at a relaxed pace. Marty promises us all yummy treats (like hot chocolate, rooibos lattes, and scones) when we take our lunch break on the beach near the Warrior Rock Light.
This is a Level One trip, but it’s not suited for novices. We’ll be on waterways where power boats travel, we’ll cross Multnomah Channel, and we’ll dip our bows, so to speak, into the Columbia. Even though we’ll have the tides in our favor both directions, this is a six-mile trip. The water will be cold. Paddlers should expect to stay with a pod. Drysuits are required; they are available to rent from Portland vendors if you don’t own one.
Pop into Next Adventure’s Scappoose Bay Paddling Center when you arrive. They know we’ll be there, and they told me that the coffee’s on! There are public restrooms at the marina parking area, and a day-use fee for parking. The marina is easy to find. Take Hwy. 30 to Warren, turn east on Bennett Rd. at milepost 25.8, then immediate left on Old Portland Road. You’ll see the Scappoose Bay Paddling Center and the marina.
Plan to arrive by 10:15 to allow time to unload, park, and be ready to be on the water by 11 a.m.
After paddle: For those who want to keep the recreation going, we can choose an after-paddle venue when it’s closer to the date. The Klondike in St. Helens is a possibility.
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Meeting Time: 10:15:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Scappoose Bay Marina
Take out: Scappoose Bay Marina
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): Marty Martinez, Dan Numbers, Bob Freshman, Steve Pruett, Monte Johnson, Mel Wishan
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: 20; we will use pods.
Happy New Year! Let's all paddle!
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 45
Estimated Water Temperature: 45
Estimated Water Time: 3-4 hours
Tide times & heights: Low tide about 12:30 p.m. We'll paddle with the tide both directions.
Current information: 1 knot maybe. We will monitor the weather forecasts.
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
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 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 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Less than 1 mile
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments:
Location (Optional): 57420 Old Portland Rd, Warren, OR 97053
