North Arm of the Siuslaw River - 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: Joe Howell
Email address: tripsjoeh@gmail.com
Phone: 503-939-2803
Activity Title: North Arm of the Siuslaw River
Date of Activity: 7/8/2021
Narrative: We will meet at noon. Eat lunch and unload boats noon-1 p.m. Launch by 1 p.m.
High tide at entrance to Siuslaw river, so some delay upriver (but how much?):
2021/07/08 Thu 12:55 PM 5.43 H
2021/07/08 Thu 5:54 PM 3.11 L
Sign-ups are for Florence Event registrants only, please. Lunch at Bender Landing Boat Ramp (noon), then head upstream with the incoming tide at 1 p.m. for a two-and-a-half hour round-trip paddle on this narrow north arm of the Siuslaw River. Turn around when the tide turns, around 2:15 p.m. The last time I was there, one bank was lined with blackberry bushes. People were paddling right up under them and munching sweet berries right from the seats of their (our) kayaks...yes, I enjoyed my share. We should be back at our cars by 3:30, loaded up and back to Honeyman by 4:15 or so. Set up your tent and join in happy hour or whatever social event is going on. Winds are currently forecast out of the NW at 12-17 mph, so be ready for that. There is a lot of bank/bush/tree cover, so the wind may have less of an effect on us in the water.

$5 parking fee; vault toilets. You should print a day use permit at home, as there may not be a pay station at the boat ramp:
https://reservations.lanecounty.org/reservations/pass_sales.asp?actiontype=display_product

Google Maps might send you into the swamp unless you enter Bender Landing Boat Ramp which is on the main road (N. Fork Rd.).
Basically, stay on Road 5070, North Fork Rd., for about three miles.
It also works to take the road to Three Rivers Casino and then double-back a short distance to N. Fork Rd. Maybe you want to stop in and use their bathroom, grab a lemonade, and play a slot machine.
Meeting Time: 12:00:00 PM
Launch Time: 1:00:00 PM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Bender Landing Boat Ramp, 6015 Co Hwy 5070, Florence, OR
Take out: Same as above
Route Alternative for bad weather: None
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Shorty wetsuit
Primary Organizer: Joe Howell
Assistant Organizer(s): Chris Mayou
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: 67
Estimated Water Temperature: 56-60
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 2.5 hours
Tide times & heights: 2021/07/08 Thu 12:55 PM 5.43 H
2021/07/08 Thu 5:54 PM 3.11 L

Current information:
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 3: 12-16 knots (19 mph)
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 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Without the wind, this is an easy Level 1 trip. NW winds forecast at 12-17mph could make it at least Level 2.
Location (Optional): 44°00'14.2"N 124°04'16.7"W
Photos (optional):
Give Email address to registrants for Waiver:
I give the Trips Director permission to include the above email address in trip narrative posted on the Calendar