Sauvie Island Westside - Steelman Lake/Willow Lake L2

Full Name: Bob Hyslop
Activity Title: Sauvie Island Westside - Steelman Lake/Willow Lake L2
Date of Activity: 4/18/2024
Narrative: Sauvie Island Westside opens to paddling April 16!

Join us on April 18th for a journey along the shores, swamps and wetlands Steelman and Willow Lakes. On any given day the paddling experience will depend on the lake levels, which are driven by an interaction of lunar tides tide and Columbia River water height.

Expect occasional paddling though trees and brush, some exploration of dead end channels, and probably two short portages. Paddling distance about eight miles, give or take. This is Eagle country, especially during carp spawning season. Lots of other birds, including the occasional pelican.

Meet at 9:00 am at the Cracker Barrel Grocery at the east end of the Sauvie Island bridge where the Oregon Fish and Wildlife permit may be purchased, $10 daily, or $30 for an annual permit. No permit is required for the large parking lot just north of the store, so combining kayaks for the trip to the launch site is an option.

Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Meet Cracker Barrel Grocery
Take out: Willow Lake
Route Alternative for bad weather: none
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Bob Hyslop
Co-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? No
First Aid /CPR Person: Bob Freshman
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: 70 degrees
Estimated Water Temperature: 55 degrees
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 1/2 hrs
Tide times & heights: 0840, 2.1 ft; 1400, 3.8 ft (Columbia River Datum)
Current information: n/a
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 3: Bad footing, rocky shores, or surf up to 1.5'
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:
Location: Cracker Barrel Grocery https://maps.app.goo.gl/bZVB3VJFNcaXqNtx6
Photos (Optional): yes
COVID-19 Status of Trip: All participants of this trip must be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: St Helens