Halloween Trip to the Willamette Narrows [Level 2]

This trip is limited to OOPS members who are Wet-Exit Certified.  To register you'll need to log into your account.

 I need to get home to the trick-or-treaters, so I’m looking for a short trip “close” to home before this summer weather turns more fall-like. For me, the Willamette Narrows fits the bill. We’ll paddle round-trip from West Linn’s Willamette Park, heading upstream to “the Narrows.” The current is relatively mild in the back channels where we’ll be. This is one of the prettiest sections of the Willamette in the metro area. This will be a somewhat relaxed pace paddle so that we can enjoy the scenery (see my note below). 

We may find some small eddies to play in—strictly optional. We’ll poke around the various passages and possibly get out of our boats near Rock Island before heading back to Willamette Park. Total river miles will be between 4-6, depending on how much poking we do! Bring along a snack or lunch. We'll plan to launch from the main boat launch area; please be water-ready at 11:00 a.m.. You can use the dock or boat ramp. It’s okay for vehicles without trailers to park there at this time of year. Paddlers should expect to stay with a pod.

Bathrooms are available; free parking. SUPs, canoes, and boats 10’ and longer are welcome providing that you can maintain a minimum 3 mph paddling speed. I do need to stay “on schedule” for this trip. Like I said, trick-or-treaters! We generally get over 300 children each year at our front door, and the little ones start early.

Costumes optional, and by that, I mean, please don’t wear them! If you’d like to dress up like a space traveler in something known as a “drysuit,” that is encouraged.  Candy?  Why not?  I prefer my chocolate dark.  :-)

Meeting Time: 10:15:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Willamette Park, 12th Street, West Linn, OR
Take out: Willamette Park, 12th Street, West Linn, OR
Route Alternative for bad weather: None.
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): 
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
Maximum number of paddlers: 7
Estimated Air Temperature: 50-59
Estimated Water Temperature: 54
Estimated Water Time: 3 hours plus breaks
Tide times & heights: NA
Current information: 1-2 knots
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 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 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Overall rating: Level 2