Level 2 Trip: Waldo Lake--Islet Point to Headwaters

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.  

A day trip to Waldo Lake? You betcha!   Waldo Lake is one of the largest natural lakes in Oregon. It offers a uniquely peaceful setting, surrounded by forests of Douglas fir and Western Hemlock.

As I write this, there are campsites available at Waldo Lake’s Shadow Bay Campground on Sunday (too late to register, but available as walk-in), Monday, and Tuesday nights for those who might want to camp. I didn’t check the two north-end campgrounds. I’ll arrive Monday morning at the launch site and will be bringing a sleeping bag and some food--I may sleep in my car or I may drive home that night with a dinner break along the way. Registrants can chat about possible overnights or any added UN-official trip once we see who will be attending. This sign-up is only for the official on-water paddle trip on Monday.

We’ll meet at Islet Boat Launch (the southernmost ramp of the two NORTH-end ramps). We’ll explore small islands, go to the headwaters of the Willamette River, and generally marvel at the beautiful water and scenery of Waldo Lake. A “meditation float” in “Marty’s Cove” is a real possibility. (Lay in shallow water so that your arms float with your head on a rock and stay perfectly silent for about 10 minutes—heaven!) This will be a leisurely trip of 8-10 miles, but the wind can kick up in the afternoons. Paddlers should be comfortable in waves of up to 18 inches. Please bring a shorty wetsuit or Farmer Jane/John as minimum immersion wear—it may not be required. Drysuits are good, too. We will assess conditions when we arrive. This trip’s route is close to the shoreline. Waldo Lake is thermally stratified in the summer. The surface water remains cool, at 59 to 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Air temps are expected to be in mid-60s to mid-70s while we’re on the water. 

Note that a quick-release towline is required. A short length is fine.

Islet Boat Launch & Day Use Area (Waldo Lake)
This day-use area is located at the Islet Campground at the north end of Waldo Lake and offers wonderful sandy beaches. The winds consistently blow each afternoon, offering a cool break from the summer sun. **The mosquito population is high from June to mid-August, so come prepared.**  A Northwest Forest Pass or day fee is required.

Directions:
37 miles east of Oakridge. From Oakridge, proceed east on Hwy 58 for approximately 25 miles to the Waldo Lake road (FS road 5897). Follow Waldo Lake Road for 11 miles to FS road 5898. Continue on FS road 5898 to Islet Campground’s Boat Launch.
Google Maps: Islet Boat Launch/ Day Use Area (recgovnpsdata)

Meeting Time: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Islet Boat Launch & Day Use Area 
Take out: Islet Boat Launch & Day Use Area 
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment: Towline
Minimum Immersion protection: Shorty wetsuit
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): 
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
Maximum number of paddlers: 6 including organizer
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 65-75
Estimated Water Temperature: 62
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5-6 hours
Tide times & heights: NA
Current information: NA
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 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
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 2
Rating Comments:   Depending on wind, waves could be higher than Level 1 conditions.  
Location (Optional): Islet Boat Launch/ Day Use Area (recgovnpsdata)