Level 2 - Pre-Independence Day Paddle

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.  If the measured water temperature is different enough from that listed below to warrant a change in required immersion protection, the Organizer will contact all participants and the Trips Board member with the update at least a day before the trip.

Narrative: Join Bob Freshman and me for a pre-independence day paddle up the Willamette River to the falls from Cedar Oak Boat Ramp in West Linn. Mother Nature threw a bolt of lightning in my paddle plans for last Wednesday, so I will attempt it again under more favorable conditions. NOAA is currently showing the day to be sunny and warm. We'll meet earlier this time. I'd like to launch by 10 am, so we'll need to arrive no later than 9:30 am. We'll meander upriver past Goat Island, Abernethy Bridge and the Locks before getting to the Falls. Fishing boats are few now, so we may be able to briefly play in some currents near the base of the falls. If you choose to do so, a helmet is required. Otherwise, there is plenty of flat water to hang out in if you just want to admire the beauty of the falls from your kayak. On our way back, we'll pass by the Clackamas River where we can head upstream a ways for snacks and a break. We should arrive back at the launch by 1pm. Total distance will be about 7 miles. Restrooms are available at the launch and there are no parking fees. 
Meeting Time: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Cedar Oak Boat Ramp, West Linn
Take out: same
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment: Helmet
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: David Smith
Assistant Organizer(s): Bob Freshman
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: 
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°
Estimated Water Temperature: 68°
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3 hours
Tide times & heights: NOAA at Morrison St, Portland: high at 5:42 am, 3.67'; low at 2:49 pm, -0.23'; add about 1 hour to those times for West Linn
Current information: less than 1 knot overall, but up to 2 knots or more near the falls
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: A helmet is required only if you want to practice in currents near the falls
Location (Optional): 4600 Elmran Dr, West Linn, OR 97068