L2 Paddle Nestucca Bay Natl. Wildlife Refuge

This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt).  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: Oregon’s estuaries are perfect places for mostly* relaxed paddles on the coast. We’ll launch at 10:30 a.m. from the Pacific City County Boat Launch (parking fee required--bring cash; restrooms available) next to Bob Straub State Park. Our travels will take us to the beach (but not into the ocean) on an incoming tide where we’ll stop for an early lunch. Because we’ll be paddling when the incoming current might be at its strongest, we may find that paddling all the way to the mouth of the river is a slog. If so, there are plenty of sandy beaches to stop at whatever point we choose to. After our lunch break, we’ll explore the eastern area of the bay and go upriver in the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge before returning to the launch area.

If we make it to the mouth, and if there are waves inside the bay’s entrance that are “playable,” and that do NOT reach Level 3 conditions, that’s a possibility for paddlers who want to give it a try. Playtime will be limited as we need to head up the Little Nestucca with the incoming time, which turns to an ebb at 1 p.m. Wave play is strictly optional, and the rest of us can watch from the beach. Helmets required if you do want to play in the waves.

We will observe the Four Ps: Please Plan to be Pod Participant! If you are a lone wolf, this is not the trip for you. We WILL be paddling in pods. This Level Two trip is suitable for boats 12 ft. and longer; no inflatables, please. Intermediate-advanced SUP paddlers who can keep up with kayaks are welcome. Farmer John/Jane, full wetsuit, or drysuit is required immersion wear.

*Winds are always a possibility on the coast. That may turn a “relaxed” pace paddle into an “I-got-my- exercise” paddle. We will watch conditions. If wind speed is projected to be above 10 mph, I will consider other paddling options.

Of course, there are gustatory options we might explore, too. Some folks might want to make a stop at Grateful Bread before the paddle, and Pelican Pub, and Brewery with its view of Haystack Rock can be a good choice afterwards. Bring along lunch for our stop at the beach.

The Pacific City County Boat Launch is located on the west side of Nestucca River off Sunset Ave, Pacific City, just before Bob Straub State Park.

Meeting Time: 9:45:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Pacific City County Boat Launch
Take out: Pacific City County Boat Launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): I welcome one
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: 6; 12 if another Organizer signs on
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 65-70
Estimated Water Temperature: 63
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4-6 hours
Tide times & heights: 2019/08/14 Wed 07:14 AM -0.40 L
2019/08/14 Wed 1:34 PM 6.34 H
2019/08/14 Wed 7:04 PM 2.50 L

Current information: Unknown, but we can avoid excessive tidal current
Hazards:
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 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: Wind is most likely to affect the level rating.
Location (Optional):
Photos (optional):