Silver Lake: Relaxed Pace (Level1)

This trip is limped to OOPS members who are WEC (unless exempt under Activity Policy F.1.).  To register, you'll need to log into your member account on the OOPS website.

Narrative: It’s time again to snake through the “lily pad” paths and small canals while exploring Silver Lake (near Castle Rock, WA). About the same size as Vancouver Lake, it boasts a magnificent view of Mt. St. Helens, and we can indulge in ice cream when we take a break at a lakeside fishing resort. We’ll be on the water about 3-4 hours, traveling approximately six miles, with a lunch or snack break (did I mention the ice cream?). Please join me on this relaxed-pace trip. SUPs are welcome. For kayakers who generally paddle faster, use this opportunity to practice your skills while going circles around the group or see if you can get any volunteers for towing practice! We will paddle in two-three pods of seven or fewer paddlers each, depending on the number of people who sign up. If you are a rascally rogue paddler, this is not the trip for you.

We’ll launch from Silver Lake Resort, 3201 Spirit Lake Hwy, Silver Lake, WA 98645. Please be water-ready by 9:30 a.m. There is a $5 parking fee, payable at their store, which is good all day. This map (http://silverlake-resort.com/grounds-map/) shows where the launch, store, overflow parking, and bathrooms are. There is also some parking close to the launch.  

Nearby is a Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center next to lake (admission fee) with a free walking path if just want to stretch your legs before getting back into the car.  

Meeting Time: 8:45:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Silver Lake Resort
Take out: Silver Lake Resort
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: PolyFleece/Shell
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): Al and Marlene Fisher
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
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: 65
Estimated Water Temperature: 55
Estimated Water Time: Four hours plus a break
Tide times & heights:  
Current information:  
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 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments:  
Location (Optional):  
Photos (optional): yes