Lake Merwin in the Fall - L2

When
September 22, 2024
8:30 AM
Location
Cresap Bay Boat Launch, Yale, WA
Spaces left
0
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6 registrants

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Full Name: Brenda C Brewer
Narrative: Merwin Lake is about an hour and 15-minute drive from NE Portland. It’s beautiful year-round, but I hear rumors that the fall colors start earlier there than down here, so let’s go see!

We will put in and take out at the Cresap Bay boat launch (parking fee $4.00). They have nice bathrooms there - with running water! It's a busy boat launch with lots of traffic coming and going, but looking at the water, there's a small area of bank to the right of the boat launch, and that's where we will put in. Then we will turn left, paddle under the 503 bridge and into a section of the lake that’s strictly no-wake. We’ll paddle up a couple miles and hang a right on Canyon Creek, following it up to the falls, which are pretty small this time of year. On the way back, we will stop for a bite to eat along the bankside.

Total distance is about 7 miles. This is a more mellow level 2 paddle, with time to take pictures. If the afternoon winds kick in early, we will hug the shore. For adventurous souls, we can practice rescues at our lunch break - I do like to practice! There can be underwater rocks in some places; you may wish to consider bringing a plastic boat if you have one. I'll probably still paddle my wooden one because I love her so. Due to the drive and the busy boat launch, carpooling is recommended.

Meeting Time: 8:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Cresap Bay Boat Launch, Yale, WA
Take out: Cresap Bay Boat Launch, Yale, WA
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD - will keep a close eye on the weather between now and then.
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Farmer John
Primary Organizer: Brenda C. Brewer
Co-Organizer(s):
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person: Brenda C. Brewer
Maximum number of paddlers: 6
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: About 55 F at 8am, up to about 68 by noon, with a high of 73
Estimated Water Temperature: Low 60's
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 3.5 - 4 hours
Tide times & heights: N/A
Current information: 1 mph
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 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 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:
Location: Cresap Bay Boat Launch, Yale, WA

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://www.google.com/maps/dir//Cresap+Bay+Boat+Ramp,+Cresap+Bay+Recreation+Area,+Yale,+WA/@45.968557,-122.4688148,12z/data=!4m8!4m7!1m0!1m5!1m1!1s0x549431d9061abfc1:0x52398a201b8fd99e!2m2!1d-122.3862419!2d45.9685867?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDkxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon