Willapa Bay Wildlife Paddle (level 2)

This trip is limited to members who are WEC.  Reminder:   Registration is conditional upon final approval by the TO, who may communicate with you to assess whether your skills & equipment are appropriate for the trip.

Narrative: We will put in at the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, in Ilwaco, WA. Paddle towards Long Island, look for the elk on the island and maybe check out the camp sites for future paddles in the area. Depending on winds, could go North (up the island), or South heading deeper into the refuge, or head towards Ellsworth Slough with more sheltered water.

Put in is about 30 miles from the camp. The Wildlife Refuge is supposed to have all kinds of birds, the elk on the island and some of the write ups mentioned bears.  Join me & let's see what we find.

Big concern in paddling this area is the tides - as the entirety of the Bay can be quite shoal (in fact, an earlier name was Shoalwater Bay). I will have extra NOAA chart prints to share with other paddlers. We will launch as the tide is coming in and since we will be heading back before  the time of High tide , we should be fine.

Winds look good right now, but we will review conditions before leaving camp.

Meeting Time: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: 3888 US-101, Ilwaco, WA 98624
Take out: 3888 US-101, Ilwaco, WA 98624
Route Alternative for bad weather: None
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: PolyFleece/Shell
Primary Organizer: Steve Pruett
Assistant Organizer(s):  
Has organizer paddled here before? No
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: 6
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 65
Estimated Water Temperature: 65
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 Hours
Tide times & heights: Low Tide is 8:32 am, High Tide 2:59pm
Current information: 2-3 knots
Hazards:  
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered 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 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:  
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