This trip is limited to OOPS members who are WEC.  to register, log into your member account on the OOOPS website.

Narrative: Beat the heat! Let’s launch early and take swim/lunch/rescue practice breaks at Cottonwood Beach as we make our way up the channel between Reed Island State Park and Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Due to the tide level, we may not be able to circumnavigate Reed Island; we might have to stay in the channel. Or take wheels with us! I’m rating this trip Level 2 as it’s 10 miles round-trip and we may do some paddling in the main channel of the Columbia. 

We’ll plan to return by 1:30 p.m. so that we can load boats and hopefully escape most of the afternoon traffic by leaving around 2:00 p.m. We’ll launch from the new Washougal Waterfront Park; be water-ready by 9 a.m. By unloading at the east end of the parking lot, it’s a short distance to the water along a gently sloping ramp. Free parking, bathrooms, and picnic tables overlooking the Columbia River. washougalwaterfront.com
Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Washougal Waterfront Park
Take out: Washougal Waterfront Park
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: None
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): Monte Johnston
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: 14
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 80
Estimated Water Temperature: 70
Estimated Water Time: 4 hours
Tide times & heights: High: 3:46 a.m. 2.8 ft
Low: 1:09 p.m. 0.2 ft.
High: 4:14 p.m. 1.7 ft.

Current information: 1-2 knots
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 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: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:  Every trip on the Columbia River is Level 2, because of the potential for wind, long fetch and currents combining to create areas of active water.
Location (Optional): 56 S 1st St, Washougal, WA 98671
Photos (optional):