Level 2 Trip -Vancouver Lake to Ridgefield, WA

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 if you intend to wear a spray skirt.  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.

Activity Title: Vancouver Lake to Ridgefield, WA
Date of Activity: 11/16/2019
Narrative: Come enjoy a day long paddle from Vancouver Lake to Ridgefield, WA on the Lake River through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.

We will observe the Four Ps: Please Plan to be a Pod Participant!

If you are a lone wolf, this is not the trip for you.
Meet at 8:00 AM at the pumping station/ fishing hole free parking lot just before the Vancouver Lake Rowing Team storage area on Highway 501 before you get to Vancouver Lake Park. Drop off your equipment, and we'll set up a shuttle (about 1 Hour round trip) to get vehicles to the take out at the Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch.
The Parking Fee is $10 and only credit cards are accepted at the vending machine at the cement block rest room at the main boat launch at the base of Mill Street.

The trip will start with a paddle across Vancouver Lake; then enter the Lake River and past the mouth of Salmon Creek. We'll proceed north down river to the Port of Ridgefield. Most of the river will be bordered by the wildlife refuge and the railroad tracks up from the river.

The trip will finish up at the Port of Ridgefield Kayak Launch.

Be prepared to carry your kayak both to and from the water, bring your wheels if you have them.
Pack a lunch, water, and something warm to drink.
Don't forget your sunglasses and retainer.
Waterproof binoculars and camera are nice options.

A Dry Suit, gloves, and fleece hat are required.
Bring a towline if you have one, and know how to use it.

Meeting Time: 8:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Vancouver Lake free parking lot on HWY 501
Take out: Ridgefield Kayak Launch
Route Alternative for bad weather: Only hurricanes or a lightning storm will cancel this trip
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Brad Sheehan
Assistant Organizer(s): Rich Becker
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: TBD
Maximum number of paddlers: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 52
Estimated Water Temperature: 50
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 6.5 hours
Tide times & heights: St. Helens, OR PST FT
2019/11/16 Sat 02:47 AM 0.09 L
2019/11/16 07:22 AM 1.95 H
2019/11/16 1:47 PM 0.62 L
2019/11/16 6:44 PM 3.37 H
Current information: Max 1-2 KNOTS https://www.wunderground.com/calendar/us/or/hillsboro/KHIO
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 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 3: 11 to 15 miles
Open crossing: Level 3: 1 to 2 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
 Rating Comments: Level 2 due to open crossing of Vancouver Lake and distance
Location (Optional): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Vancouver+Lake+Rowing+Club+%26+Vancouver+Lake+Aquatic+Center/@45.6655178,-122.7507604,14.66z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x2bd9e6a37eea8da2!8m2!3d45.670759!4d-122.744052
Photos (optional):