Aldrich Point Tour (Level 2)

This trip is limited to OOPS members who are WEC.  Registration will only occur on site at the Event.

Narrative: Will meet at the Vista Park sands at 9:30 a.m. & put in at 10:00 a.m.. Based on conditions, we will paddle across the Columbia's  shipping channel to Welch Island as soon as possible. Avoiding the shallows at the mouth of Red Slough, we'll go around the north end of Welch Island and south of Fitzpatrick. Once through that gap, we will be in the ever-shifting wilderness of shallows and reedy patches trailing northward from Quinn's Island. Turning south at the west end of Quinn's, we'll double back a short distance along the north side of Tronsen island. The gap between Tronsen and Aldrich Point is frequently windy. We'll make sure we cross as a tightknit group.

Aldrich Point offers a good viewpoint and a nice place to eat lunch and relax. Cookery is possible there if you like. There are no amenities or picnic tables. I suggest you bring camp stools and sanitation equipment.

When we leave Aldrich Point, we will head straight towards Red Slough, threading that pretty waterway, staying on the south side as we exit because of the shallows. At this point, based upon our inclination and conditions, we can head directly to Skamakowa or, if time allows, go back by way of the Slough behind Price Island. Alternatively, we'll cross the shipping channel in a direct line to the Vista Point Beach.

A factor we will consider is the likelihood of chop that arises frequently at the entrance to the Skamakowa sloughs and the Vista Point Beach.
Meeting Time: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Vista Point beach
Take out: Vista Point beach
Route Alternative for bad weather: If it's really bad, we can go to Cathlamet and back by way of the sloughs.
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: None
Primary Organizer: Mike Cenedella
Assistant Organizer(s): TBA
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: TBA or I'll take a class
Maximum number of paddlers: 6 - 12 depending on getting an assstant
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 75 F
Estimated Water Temperature: 70 F
Estimated Water Time: 4 to 5 hours
Tide times & heights: 8:09, 1 ft, 13:40 6.1ft, 20:01 1.5 ft 7 feet in 5.5 hrs
Current information: 6:42 AM 3.2, 18:15 2.2 knot ebbs
Hazards: Shipping traffic
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', 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 3: 1 to 2 miles
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: The crossing opposite Skamakowa is a bit over 1 mile. Wind can make the conditions a bit harder than expected, but other than the main crossing and possibly the Tronsen/Aldrich gap, there should be little difficulty.
Location (Optional):  
Photos (optional): yes