Comments and Discussion
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):
Oregon Ocean Paddling SocietyPortland, Oregon