Circumnavigation of Bachelor Island L2

Full Name: Brad Sheehan
Activity Title: Bachelor Island Circumnavigation
Date of Activity: 3/29/2024
Narrative: Activity Title: Circumnavigation of Bachelor Island L2
Date of Activity: 3/29/2024
Narrative: Come circumnavigate Bachelor Island as the weather warms up and more wildlife appears along the shoreline of the Lake and Columbia Rivers. We'll depart from the Ridgefield Kayak Launch and proceed North on the Lake River, then turn left and follow Bachelor Slough to the Columbia River where we'll take a break and have lunch.
After Lunch, we'll paddle downstream with the assist of an ebbing tide, and return South back up the Lake River to our put in.

Depending on water levels or severe wind conditions, we have the option to return from the confluence with the Columbia back to the Lake River and the put-in. Another option if conditions are favorable is to take a short detour North to the Eagles Nest Tree from the Lake River Confluence before paddling back to the put in.

Dry Suit or full wet suit is required.
This is a Level 2 trip based on distance and possible wind on the Columbia River.
Wet exit certification and spray skirts are required, and must be worn at all times.
Neoprene gloves and hood are required to have with you.
It is highly recommended that you wet test your dry suit
to determine if you have enough insulation under your drysuit.

The water temperature is between 45 and 49 degrees F.
Be sure you have adequate layers of insulation.
Bring a lunch, snacks, water, and consider a thermos with something hot.
Bring an extra hat and clothes in a dry bag, in case you get wet.
Bring binoculars if you have them, and something to sit on for lunch.
Remember the 5 P's:
Please Plan to be a Pod Participant, and Prepared so that we can have maximum fun.

Meeting Time: 8:45:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Ridgefield Kayak Launch Located on the Lake River, 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642. Proceed on Pioneer Street over the railroad tracks and past the Cement Restrooms at the main parking lot.
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: Proceed South from the Put in, up the Lake River, or Turn around before entering the Columbia River.
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Brad Sheehan
Co-Organizer(s): Tom Waldron
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: Laura Sheehan
Maximum number of paddlers: 10 total paddlers
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 50-60 Degrees
Estimated Water Temperature: 45-49 Degrees
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 6 hours
Tide times & heights: H 07:45 am 3.2 ft L 03:59 pm 0.7 ft
Current information: Max 2 knots
Hazards: Shipping traffic
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 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 2: Between 0.5 and 1 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Hazards include: Shiping traffic on the Columbia, Fishing boats, Wing Dams and Wind.
Location: Ridgefield Kayak Launch Located on the Lake River, 109 W Division St, Ridgefield, WA 98642.
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: Port of St. Helens