Level 1 Paddle - Devilish Good Time at the Coast

Narrative: What do you do when you want to breathe some ocean air, but the tide is outgoing all day? You find a lake by the ocean and paddle there. Tuesday is projected to be 55 degrees, sunny, and 5 mph winds at Lincoln City. Devil’s Lake isn’t going to win any awards for “best trip ever,” but I’ve paddled it twice in winter, and it’s a nice trip with somewhat expansive views, two areas of state park undeveloped shoreline, and you can paddle right up to D River and look at the ocean waves. There are three parks where we can get out and take a break. Typically, there are no power boats out in winter. An article on the Travel Oregon website says, “With its five boat ramps and no launch fees, Devils Lake is a haven for exploring. From your comfortable perch, you may see elk, deer, beavers, butterflies, raccoon, muskrat and numerous species of birds.” 

Circumnavigating the lake is an eight-mile trip, though we may end up skipping one of the “arms” and paddle six-seven miles. This will be the perfect trip to practice strokes, including paddling backwards. Got a Santa hat? Bring it along! We’ll launch at 10:30 a.m. and should be off the water by 2:30 or 3 p.m. so that you can drive home in daylight. 

Some of us might want to go out for breakfast before, a beverage after, or take a walk on the beach. And check out this one-night-only attraction which we might see while driving home: Semi-truck Santa at the Salmon River Grange in Rose Lodge from 4 – 8 PM. A Christmas semi-truck decorated with more than 30,000 lights will be the star attraction at this family-friendly get-together, featuring hot chocolate, cookie decorating, gifts for the kids and an appearance from Santa Claus at 5371 Salmon River Highway.
Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Level 1 Paddle Trip
Put in: Regatta Park: On NE Regatta Way, 
Take out: Regatta Park: On NE Regatta Way, 
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment: 
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? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: 
Maximum number of paddlers: 7
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 52
Estimated Water Temperature: 50
Estimated Water Time: 3-4 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): Google Maps recognizes “Regatta Park.”