Lake Merwin Spring Paddle - L2 - T2538

When
May 04, 2025
9:30 AM
Location
Speelyai Bay Park - Boat Launch
Spaces left
1
Registered
11 registrants

Registration

Members with wet exit certification
Active club members with wet exit certification, including kayaking professional and lifetime.
TO and Safety
Password Reserved for TO use

Full Name: Kerry Smith
Narrative: Starting at Speelyai Bay Park - Boat Launch
.

From the I-5 Woodland, Washington exit #21 take Highway 503 East, approximately 15 miles to Speelyai Bay Park.

Approximately 8 NM round trip to Canyon Creek confluence
Dry Suits - The spring snow melt will make the lake a little chilly.

Exposed open lake from Speelyai Bay to the Cresap Bay Recreation area. Protected waters up to Canyon Creek outlet. The upper lake channel is about 2-1/2 miles of a no wake zone.

Boat traffic should be limited to mostly fishing boats before Memorial Day.
There are many possible take out areas along the route.

This is a pleasant kayak trip in Lake Merwin. Starting at the Speelyai Bay Park boat launch we will paddle east along the North Shore of Lake Merwin and cross over Cresap Bay to the winding narrowing upper lake channel to the outlet of Canyon Creek. There should be many waterfalls along the upper lake channel. There is large sandy beach 1/2 mile before reaching Canyon Creek for a lunch break.
Meeting Time: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Speelyai Bay Recreation Rd, Ariel, WA 98603
Take out: Speelyai Bay Recreation Rd, Ariel, WA 98603
Route Alternative for bad weather: None
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Kerry Smith
Co-Organizer(s):David Nesson
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:
Maximum number of paddlers: 5
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 60
Estimated Water Temperature: 45
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4
Tide times & heights: none
Current information: 2 mph near Canyon Creek
Hazards: Night paddling
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 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 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: Exposed open lake from Speelyai Bay to the Cresap Bay Recreation area. Protected waters up to Canyon Creek outlet. The upper lake channel is about 2-1/2 miles of a no wake zone.

Boat traffic should be limited to mostly fishing boats before Memorial Day.
There are many possible take out areas along the route.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/roaT1Yydu1Djw9jG8
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: none
Link to map of route (Optional)

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon