Level 2 Paddle - Nestucca River and Bay

This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification. To successfully register, you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group.  Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment.

Narrative: It’s time for another Pacific City trip. Nestucca Bay/River and the Little Nestucca River are part of Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge; a great location for all year paddling. The well-known Lumpy Waters Symposium is held in Pacific City in October, using both river and ocean for classes that they offer. We will meet at 10:15 at Pacific City Boat Launch on Sunset Drive, and be ready to launch by 11. Parking is $4, (cash only) with bathrooms available. We will head out on the Nestucca River towards Nestucca Bay on the flood tide and head out to the mouth of the bay. With the incoming tide at the mouth, there are options to play in the sometimes interesting currents in that area. If conditions permit, we can play in the swells, for those who choose to do so, and take a snack break near the mouth. We will then head back up the bay and cut off on the Little Nestucca River, exploring that area before returning to Nestucca Bay and back to the launch. Total distance will be in the 8-9 mile range. Conditions are generally good, with stronger currents only near the mouth of the bay. There can be some chop if the winds pick up. Bring food/snacks and water; we will be taking a break along the way. Total water time will be in the 3-4 hour range.

Two other great attributes of Pacific City are Grateful Bread for breakfast and the Pelican Brew Pub for after paddle refreshments, with a great view of the ocean and wide variety of their own brews.

Meeting Time: 10:15:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Pacific City Boat Launch on Sunset Drive
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: Trip will be rescheduled
Required equipment: 
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Bob Freshman
Assistant Organizer(s): Joe Howell
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: Bob Freshman
Maximum number of paddlers: 12
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: High 40's
Estimated Water Temperature: 50
Estimated Water Time: 4 hours
Tide times & heights: Low tide 8:20 AM, 0'9"
High tide 2:05 PM 7'6"
Current information: Paddling against flood tide to reach the mouth and some currents at the mouth. 
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 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment: 
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: 
Location (Optional): Pacific City Boat Launch https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pacific+City,+OR/@45.1964809,-123.9668045,446m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x54eadd3983ff7ae5:0xf6c8d1e8f00195f0!8m2!3d45.2023263!4d-123.9628946