Due to the unexpected high flow level on the Willamette, we are shifting the location to the North Fork Reservoir for tomorrows trip. For those of you that have not been there yet, the North Fork Reservoir is 350 acres of beautiful scenery on the Clackamas River. This time of year we are likely to be the only ones on the water since the regular boat launch ramps are still closed. The plan is to paddle up to the end of the reservoir where the Clackamas River enters and play a bit in the currents, it’s a great place to practice your skills in moving water, then to head down to the dam and back to the launch site. Total time will be in the 3-4 hour timeframe and 6-7 miles range if we do the circumnavigation of the lake. The weather looks promising with only a very slight chance of showers and a high of 59 degrees. Water temp is still likely to be in the mid 40’s so dress in appropriate immersion protection. Also don’t forget that Daylight Savings starts tonight, so no excuses for showing up late allowed. We will still meet at 10AM and be in the water by 11AM.
We will be launching a short way down the road at another site I have used a few time before, 40312 Clackamas Highway. Use the link below to get the exact directions from Google Maps. There is also a picture below showing where we will be parking, the gate will be closed at this time of the year but we can park on the sides of the entrance or on the street. It’s a couple of hundred feet to the launch so if you have wheels for your boat, good idea to bring them. There has been a porta potty at this site in the past but no way to guarantee it will be there now. Also, no drinking water at this launch site so bring plenty plus any food or snacks. I will plan on getting there a bit early so you can see where I parked.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/40310+Clackamas+Hwy,+Estacada,+OR+97023/@45.2335736,-122.2553605,284m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x54be2a9a0b6195ab:0x9dd4306e3308dc71!8m2!3d45.2335273!4d-122.254172
