LAKE SIMTUSTUS--NORTH AND SOUTH OF PELTON PARK, L2 (LAKE BILLY CHINOOK EVENT)

Narrative:
Let's grab one more relaxing paddle as we wend our way back to the Portland
area from Lake Billy Chinook by taking in the lovely Lake Simtustus.

We'll meet by 10:42 AM and launch at 11:28 AM to give folks time to packup,
packout, and drive from their campsites. We should be off the water by 3:30
PM.

Here is a lovely writeup, thanks to Paula B. who is leading a similar trip
on Friday.

We'll put in at Pelton Park and start out north to touch Pelton
Dam. Then we'll retrace our route and head south to Willow Creek inlet
and take a peek at Lake Simustus Resort. We might see fish jumping, as
well as herons, eagles, and ospreys! If weather and paddlers permit, we
might head farther south and explore a bit more of this beautiful lake.

Surrounded by steep basalt canyon walls, this scenic lake is quite
narrow, with widths of 300 feet to almost 1000 feet. Sagebrush and
juniper dot the countryside around the waters of this cold, deep
lake. Lake Simtustus is separated from nearby Lake Billy Chinook by the
Round Butte Dam.

Fun Facts:
Lake Simtustus has 637 surface acres of water.
The deepest part of the lake reaches 155 feet.
The lake's elevation is 1,580 feet.

And here's the detailed step-by-step, thanks to Admiral Chris M.

NORTH AND SOUTH OF PELTON PARK: Head to the right/north after leaving
Pelton Park. Stay on the east shoreline for about 1/2 to 3/4 mile until
you reach Pelton Dam (buoys will restrict your distance from the
dam). Note that water-skiing is allowed in this area. Return towards
Pelton Park but stay on the west shoreline to explore Dry Hollow
inlet. Continue on the west shoreline to Little Heaven inlet (about
1-1/2 miles south of Pelton Park). Explore it, then cross to the east
shoreline and head back toward Pelton Park, first paddling into Willow
Creek to see it and the private resort there. Return north to Pelton
Park. 6 miles total.

Note that the put-in is in the marina -- check out a map or the Long/Lat
provided below. Parking shouldn't be a problem -- there is some improved
parking close to the marina, but most of the parking is 600 feet to the
east.

Note that the Dockside Grill in the Pelton Park Marina does not open until
Memorial Day Weekend, so it will *not* be open while we're there. Plan to
snack accordingly, especially given that we come off the water
mid-afternoon, have to load our boats and change clothes, and that most of
us have a long ride back to Portland.

Note that the water is **COLD**, and we dress for water not air temperature
-- you really need a drysuit with good insulation underneath -- if you get
too warm, you can always bow-dip, soak your hat, or splash yourself.

Be sure to bring food (snacks and lunch), water, and sun protection.

Main hazards are boat traffic. The lake has a small water-skiing area, but
most of the lake has a speed limit of 10 miles per hour making it ideal for
fishing and paddling. Wind and weather are always latent concerns,
especially forecasts this far out.

We follow the OOPS pod protocol, so please plan to stay with the group.
Only for hard-shell Kayaks 12 feet or longer. This is a Level 2 trip -- wet
exit certification is **required**, and you must wear a spray skirt.

The safety talk at 11:17 AM, and we launch at 11:28 AM.
Meeting Time: 10:42:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:28:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: [north park entrace] 3300 NW Pelton Dam Rd, Madras, OR 97741 || Long/Lat: 44.684605048291345, -121.23953045416471
Take out: same as put-in
Route Alternative for bad weather: shorten route
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Joseph P. SKUDLAREK
Co-Organizer(s): TBD
Has organizer paddled here before? No
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
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: 65
Estimated Water Temperature: 45-55
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: N/A
Current information: calm water -- it's a lake -- and we stay away from the dam
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 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 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments: Level 2 for landings, distance, possible wind. We will consider full wet suit and/or Farmer John when more accurate water temperature forecast is obtained.
Location: [north park entrace] 3300 NW Pelton Dam Rd, Madras, OR 97741 || Long/Lat: 44.684605048291345, -121.23953045416471
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: N/A
Link to map of route (Optional) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qbz_L83zhtgASm34bZMOYKgVrNlvF3hW/view

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