Between June 27th - 30th, four official OOPS trips are being offered on some of the most beautiful high country lakes in Central Oregon & on the Deschutes River.  However, this is NOT an OOPS "Event" - every participant will need to make their own arrangements for camping or other accommodations.  More info about that is found below.

THE TRIPS:

Tuesday, June 27 - Sparks Lake;   Wednesday, June 28 - Hosmer Lake;

Thursday, June 29 - Paulina Lake; &  Friday, June 30 -   Deschutes River (River Bend to Besson).

As always, posted on the Calendar you will find more detailed information about each trip.  For now, suffice it to say each of the lakes is near the aptly named Cascade Lakes Highway south of Bend, OR; the Deschutes River runs past & around Bend as it makes its way to the Columbia.

ACCOMMODATIONS:

There are campgrounds near or next to each of the four paddling destinations.  Be warned - it is likely to get quite cold overnight in these higher elevations.  Freezing or near-freezing temps for a few overnight & early morning hours are common.

Campgrounds near LaPine (approx. elevation 4200’) may be somewhat warmer overnight, while some might consider Tumalo State Park (approx. elevation 3200’) to verge on the tropical (not literally).  However, most locations listed below are between Mt Bachelor & The Three Sisters or are high desert - so expect nights to be cool to cold.

SUGGESTED CAMPGROUNDS:

·         Tumalo State Park:  http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=34

·         La Pine State Park:  http://oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=32

·         Hosmer Lake’s South Campground:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38996

·         Hosmer Lakes’ Mallard Marsh Campground: http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recarea/?recid=38920

·         Paulina Lake Campground:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/recarea/?recid=38442

·         Big River Campground (on the river, but next to a busy road): http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/deschutes/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=38308&actid=29

·         Other campgrounds: http://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/deschutes/recreation/camping-cabins/?recid=38280&actid=29

(If you prefer not to camp - it’s OK to like hot showers and clean sheets -  you should be able to find a range of hotels and rental units throughout this entire area.  But beware:  this is an exceedingly popular vacation destination, so don’t wait too long to make your reservations.)

2017 CENTRAL OREGON KAYAKING FORUM:

This is the sole Forum for these 4 trips.   Please use this Forum to communicate with others who are considering participating in these trips. Arrange to share campsites or carpool; plan bike rides or hikes (or post-paddle visits to great local breweries).   Of course, please don't hesitate to use this Forum to ask questions about any aspect of these 4 trips or any other issues relating to the area.

(Chris Mayou’s motto for these four days in Central Oregon is:  “Yes, you CAN have it all!”  Chris may well be right - register, participate & find out for yourself.)