Bachelor Island Clockwise-L2-T2547

Full Name: Paige Light-Powell
Activity Title: Bachelor Island Clockwise
Date of Activity: 5/24/2025
Narrative: Join Paige and Dave for this lovely trip around Bachelor Island. The weather is looking better for this coming weekend, sunny and mid 60s. We'll launch from the Ridgefield kayak launch, paddle down the Lake river, then around Bachelor Island clockwise. This trip travels through the wildlife refuge, which is full of interesting raptors and waterfowl. If we're lucky, we will see the swifts that nest under the bridge over the slough feeding their chicks still in their nests, as well as eagles, osprey, and herons, maybe some red tailed hawks. There's a nice beach at the tip of the island where the slough meets the Columbia for a break, then a down stream paddle on the Columbia to another rest stop at the mouth of Lake River. We'll choose one of these for our lunch break. Total distance is 9.5 miles. Bring lunch and snacks. Drysuits or full wetsuits required as the water is still chilly at 55 degrees. We'll meet at 9:15 for a 10:00 launch, and be on the water for around 4 1/2 hours.
Meeting Time: 9:15:00 AM
Launch Time: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Lake River Kayak Launch, 109 W. Division St, Ridgefield, WA https://maps.app.goo.gl/3DbNqVEEJ92LtGPd6?g_st=im
Take out: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather: Shorten to out and back down the Slough, cancel
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Paige Light-Powell (TO Candidate)
Co-Organizer(s): Dave Smith (Mentor)
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:
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: 65
Estimated Water Temperature: 55
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 1/2 hours
Tide times & heights: L 10:53, .2 H 3:22 pm, 1.8
Current information: .5 to 1.5 knots
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 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 1: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:
Location: Lake River Kayak Launch, 109 W. Division St, Ridgefield, WA https://maps.app.goo.gl/3DbNqVEEJ92LtGPd6?g_st=im
Photos (Optional): yes
COVID-19 Status of Trip: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: St. Helensre. Cut and paste from trip proposal