Marine Drive Paddle (Level 2)

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: This trip is only about maintaining the joy of paddling - with a convenient easy launch site into a usually uncrowded section of the Columbia River. We'll meet at 9:00 a.m. and launch by 9:30 from the M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp (abut 1/2 mile east of NE 33rd on Marine Drive). Parking fee is $5. For convenience, park at the far east end of the lot, for a very short carry to a gentle sand beach where we'll launch.

We'll paddle upstream toward Lemon & Government Islands, perhaps as far as the I-205 bridge (roughly 4 miles from the launch) depending upon the group's energy level. We'll find a quiet beach for a snack break on one of the islands and we'll have a current assist for the return.

The plan is to be back at the boat ramp between 12:30 - 1:00. Essentially this is a relaxed 3 hour, 8 mile round trip. We'll all be energetic as we launch and paddle upstream (against the current & a small ebbing tidal effect) but on the return we'll be assisted by both.

Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: M. James Gleason boat ramp
Take out: M. James Gleason boat ramp
Route Alternative for bad weather: N/A
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: Shorty wetsuit
Primary Organizer: Stuart Teicher
Assistant Organizer(s):  Coco Wells
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: self
Maximum number of paddlers: 6
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: low-80's
Estimated Water Temperature: high-50's
Estimated Water Time: 3 - 3 1/2 hrs
Tide times & heights: at Vancouver: 7:37 a.m. High (3.2'); 4:05 p.m. Low (o.4'); 8:47 p.m. High (2.5')
Current information: 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 2: Less than 1 mile
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: No shipping traffic on the Oregon side of the islands, perhaps a few pleasure boats. The distance (max 8 miles) & the 2 knot current dictate a Level 2 rating.
Location (Optional):  
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