Columbia River Gorge at Stevenson, WA, Level 2

• 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....if the paddler is wearing a spray skirt on a level 1 paddle, the Wet Exit Certification is REQUIRED).  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.
  

Full Name:Bob Freshman
Email address: bob.freshman@frontier.com
Activity Title: Columbia River Gorge at Stevenson, WA, Level 2
Date of Activity: 6/24/2021
Narrative: Please join Steve Blackwood and myself for a paddle in the Columbia River Gorge. We will be launching from Stevenson at the Cascade boat ramp and make our way upriver along the Washington side towards Wind River. It is one of the most picturesque parts of the Columbia Gorge, if you have not paddled here before it’s worth the trip. We can paddle close along the shoreline, if conditions are windy, to find smoother water. There are several lovely small rock islands and coves with beaches for a break. At times, the river here can be still and silent, glassy as a lake, other times the wind can create an entirely different environment. We will be launching a bit earlier to try and take advantage of the usually less windy mornings and will be watching the weather prior to the trip, if high winds are forecast; we will change our venue to an alternate location. There are some good options for post paddle refreshments in Stevenson and nearby Cascade Locks. Parking is free, but do not park in the boat trailer spots, there is additional free street parking nearby if the lot is full.
Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Cascade Boat Launch Stevenson, WA
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Bob Freshman
Assistant Organizer(s): Steve Blackwood
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: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 70-80
Estimated Water Temperature: 62
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: NA
Current information: 1-2 MPH
Hazards: Shipping traffic
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: Wind forecast for June 24 is currently 6-8mph at the times we will be on the water, however that my change before the trip. If wind is too strong that day, we will look at alternative locations on the Columbia.
Location (Optional): M4VC+JG Stevenson, Washington
Photos (optional):
Give Email address to registrants for Waiver:
undefined I give the Trips Director permission to include the above email address in trip narrative posted on the Calendar