L2 Paddle - Blind Slough from Knappa

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 me and Bob Freshman for a paddle up the Blind Slough located on the lower Columbia River about 15 miles east of Astoria. It's a pleasant 2 hour drive from Portland. We'll meet sharply at 10:30 am at Knappa Docks at the end of Knappa Dock Rd. From there we'll launch onto the Columbia River and paddle upstream about a half mile to the mouth of the slough. Once there, we'll paddle up the slough past one of the best examples of a Sitka Spruce swamp remaining in Oregon. The slough is also home to "net pens", where fingerling salmon are raised before being released to head to the Pacific. Since it's located near the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge, there are plenty of birding opportunities as well.

Origin of the name Blind Slough: "... Blind Slough opens off the Prairie Channel of the Columbia River about halfway between Knappa and Brownsmead. The slough wanders about a good deal and gets nowhere in particular. One fair-sized branch pinches out suddenly, and that was probably the reason for the name. ..."

So we will also meander up the slough as far as we want, search for a suitable takeout, relax and then head back to our launch. Total distance for this trip will be about 8 miles. Total time on the water will be about 4 hours. Parking is limited and there are no restrooms. If you can put together a carpool, please do so. We will be doing a shore launch only. There is no launching from the derelict Knappa Dock.

Meeting Time: 10:30:00 AM

Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM

Type of activity: Paddle Trip

Put in: End of Knappa Dock Rd, Knappa, Oregon

Take out: Same

Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD

Required equipment:

Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit

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: 45°

Estimated Water Temperature: 40°

Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours

Tide times & heights: NOAA Astoria: Low 7:32 am, 3.19'; High 1:14 pm, 9.33'

Current information: 1-2 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: Paddle trips are weather dependent this time of year. Light rain and mild winds will be acceptable. Heavy rain, high winds and/or lightening will abort the paddle.