Rooster Rock to Cape Horn RT - gonna be a bit chilly - L2

When
November 10, 2024
9:00 AM
Location
Rooster Rock State Park boat ramp (West end of the park)
Spaces left
0
Registered
11 registrants

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Full Name: Brenda C Brewer
Narrative: It’s been awhile since we've paddled from Rooster Rock State Park, so let’s dress warmly and do it again!

With the uncertainty of winds this time of year, we have a plan A and a plan B.
Plan A: We will launch at the Rooster Rock boat ramp at the west end of the park, ($5 fee) and once we get to the river head right, paddling upstream on the outside of Sand Island. We can stop here for a bio break if needed, as there are not good places to land near Cape Horn. Then we will cross the Mighty Columbia and continue heading upstream to Cape Horn. This is a massive basalt cliff outcrop located on the Washington side of the Columbia River, rising 2500 feet above the river, with seasonal waterfalls. We will poke around a bit, and then we will cross back to Sand Island (lunch and bio break) and go around the back if there is sufficient water. About 8-10 miles.

Plan B: If the winds are unfavorable, we can instead convene at Washougal Waterfront Park to circumnavigate Reed Island, without a crossing. About 8-8.5 miles.

The winds can be tricky in the Gorge so we will keep an eye on the weather and make the final call the day before the paddle. I will confer with my highly experienced Co-TO Steve Blackwood, and if there are any changes, I'll email and/or text.

Please be aware that the Mighty Columbia can be a challenging level 2 paddle, up to level 3 if the winds pick up. All participants need to be comfortable paddling and rescuing in choppy water, following seas, and winds. If you have a tow line and are comfortable using it, please bring it along. There is a $5.00 parking fee at Rooster Rock, unless you have the State Parks pass. Please bring lunch and drinks and dress warmly – forecast calls for low 40’s at the beginning of the paddle, and up to mid 40’s by the end. Look forward to seeing you!

Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Rooster Rock State Park boat ramp (West end of the park)
Take out: Rooster Rock State Park boat ramp (West end of the park)
Route Alternative for bad weather: Plan B - Washougal (above)
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Brenda C. Brewer
Co-Organizer(s): Steve Blackwood
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: Brenda C. Brewer
Maximum number of paddlers: 8
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: Low 40's in the am, mid 40's by afternoon
Estimated Water Temperature: Around 45-48
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): Around 4 hours.
Tide times & heights: Low Tide: 9:41am. 0.27 feet.
High Tide: 2.41 pm. 1.2 feet
Low Tide: 10:22 pm. 0.52 feet.

Current information: Level 2: Mild currents (up to 2 knots): current increases / decreases group speed by half
Hazards: Shipping traffic
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', 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: This is a major American river with shipping lanes, boat traffic, fishing people. Potential for high winds and chop.
Location: Rooster Rock State Park boat ramp (west end of the park)
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: Washougal
Link to map of route (Optional) https://www.google.com/maps/dir/Portland,+Oregon/Rooster+Rock+State+Park,+Corbett,+OR+97019/@45.5207562,-122.6353676,10z/data=!4m14!4m13!1m5!1m1!1s0x54950b0b7da97427:0x1c36b9e6f6d18591!2m2!1d-122.6783853!2d45.515232!1m5!1m1!1s0x5495966a80aaa797:0x8eb146df1f9542f!2m2!1d-122.2282931!2d45.5465377!3e0?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTAyMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Comments and Discussion

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon