This trip is limited 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: Plan your four-day 2017 Central Oregon Kayaking Extravaganza now! You’re invited to sign up for OOPS day trips and informally socialize off the water with club members at potlucks, “campfires,” hikes, bike rides, breweries, restaurants, and all sorts of area attractions. This extravaganza has been planned for mid-week because the lakes we visit should have fewer visitors then. The Central Oregon waterways are a treat—clear water, fresh air, spectacular views. It’s easy to see why people fall in love with Central Oregon.
First up is Sparks Lake. As Phil Jones said in the third edition of Canoe and Kayak Routes of NW Oregon: “Sparks Lake is simply one of the best paddling lakes in Oregon. . . . Although the lake is just over two miles from end to end, its convoluted shoreline is more than 10 miles long.”
This will be a relaxed pace paddle. In a word--scenery.
USDA says: "This site will stretch your capability to focus only on wildlife. Approximately 370 acres of lake wetland are surrounded by another 360 acres of meadow, marsh, or stream wetlands. The spectacular setting - a memorialized favorite of the late, acclaimed, landscape photographer Ray Atkeson - is dominated by South Sister towering to 10,358' elevation, Broken Top to 9,175', and Bachelor Butte to 9,065'. Dark-green forests, bright-green meadows, and deep-blue skies will linger on your real or imaginary canvas. Look for the yellow-flowers of Indian pond lily in small ponds at the meadow's northwest corner.
Sparks Lake is located about 25 miles west of Bend off the Cascade Lakes Highway. "
Meeting Time: 10:45 a.m.
Launch Time: 11:30 a.m.
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Sparks Lake Boat Launch
Take out: Sparks Lake Boat Launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: PolyFleece/Shell
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): Mel Wishan, Al & Marlene Fisher
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: 28 (4 pods of 7 paddlers each)
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: 4 hours
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 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments:
Location (Optional): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Sparks+Lake+Day+Use+Area/@44.0135768,-121.7381437,18.19z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x35f19c8749550ac6!8m2!3d44.01387!4d-121.7379?hl=en&authuser=0
Photos (optional):
