This trip is limited to OOPS members who are WEC. To register, you'll need to log into your member account on the OOPS website.
Narrative: Come out for an early season exploration of Sturgeon Lake on Sauvie Island at high water. The Westside Management Unit of Sauvie Island officially opens April 16, and we'll view Eagles, Hawks, Herons, and lots of waterfowl while paddling counter-clockwise through the back channels of Sturgeon Lake, over to the Gilbert River and Steelman Lake for lunch. We'll return to the Oak Island boat ramp by 4 PM. This will be a medium paced trip for viewing wildlife and enjoying the scenery.
We will be practicing the 4P Principle - Please Plan to be a POD Participant!
Sauvie Island Wildlife Area Parking Permits are REQUIRED, $10 daily or $30 for an Annual Pass. Available at the Cracker Barrel Store and where ever fishing licenses are sold. We will leave the parking lot next to the Cracker Barrel store Promptly at 8:30 and caravan out to the Oak Island put in.
Please Note: Little McNary Lake and the Gilbert River on the Eastside Unit will not open until May 1st. http://www.dfw.state.or.us/resources/visitors/sauvie_island/
Meeting Time: 8:15:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Oak Island
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: Stay in the back channel and avoid the more open part of Sturgeon Lake
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Brad Sheehan
Assistant Organizer(s): Rich Becker
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? No
First Aid /CPR Person: Rich Becker
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: 48
Estimated Water Time: 6 hours with breaks and lunch
Tide times & heights: The area is flooded, and will have minimal tidal influence
04/18 Tue 04:22 AM 0.84 L
04/18 Tue 09:39 AM 3.23 H
04/18 Tue 05:59 PM 0.35 L at St. Helens
Current information: Currents at the wash could approach 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 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 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: In calm weather this could be considered a longer Level 1 trip, however any wind could easily push this to a Level 2
Location (Optional):
Photos (optional):
