Aldrich Pt / Welch Is Circumnav (Level 2)

This trip is limited to members who are WEC.  The TO may communicate with you before confirming registration to assess whether your skills & experience are appropriate for the trip.

Narrative: Join me and Bob Freshman for a trip on the Lower Columbia River -  launching from Aldrich Point on the Oregon side. This launch site is head of the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge and is considered the most northern point of land in Oregon. It also is where Lewis and Clark camped on 3/24/1806 (just after leaving their winter fort on the Pacific).

This scenic and historic area is about an hours drive from Fort Stevens State Park. We plan to launch about 10:30am (1 1/2 hours after low tide) into the Columbia's Prairie Channel. We'll paddle east, crossing Clifton Channel, and then circumnavigate Welch Island before returning to our launch site.

Total trip distance will be 8-9 miles. River currents can pick up slightly in the narrower channels around the islands, but with an incoming tide they should be very manageable. Of course, winds can increase in the afternoon. The launch will be a bit muddy in the morning due to lower water levels, but much easier when we return in the afternoon with a high tide. There are no parking fees at launch site, nor are there any restrooms or porta potties. 

Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Aldrich Point Boat Ramp
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:  Tow belt can be helpful (if you know how to use one).
Minimum Immersion protection: PolyFleece/Shell
Primary Organizer: David Smith
Assistant Organizer(s): Bob Freshman
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: 12
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 75° (average)
Estimated Water Temperature: 68°
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5 hours
Tide times & heights: Skamokawa - Low Tide: 9:03am, -1.32'; High Tide: 2:33pm, 6.68'
Current information: Less than 2 knots
Hazards: Shipping traffic
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered 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: Ratings based on moderate wind activity
Location (Optional): Aldrich Point Boat Ramp:
Photos (optional):