Estacada Lake/River Mill Reservoir – A Mellow Mentored Paddle, L2 - T2631

When
May 24, 2026
9:00 AM
Location
ESTACADA LAKE BOAT RAMP
Spaces left
5
Registered
5 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:: Shari Bandes
Narrative:: Estacada Lake is nestled between the River Mill Dam and Faraday Power Plant on the Clackamas River, and is known for its tranquil nature and beauty. It is designated strictly for flatwater paddling, with no gas-powered motor craft allowed.

We will launch from the boat ramp accessed inside Milo McIver State Park and paddle upstream towards the Faraday Dam, as far as the current will safely allow, passing waterfalls along the way. We will plan to stop at the gravel bar for a stretch/bio break and snacks, before turning to head back.

This will be Shari’s first mentored paddle and is intended to be mellow enough to enjoy the spring day, waterfalls, and possible wildlife sightings. Forecast is for partly sunny skies with temps starting at a cool 59º, then reaching a pleasant lower 70’s by take-out.

Bring your Oregon State Park parking permit if you have one, or be prepared to stop at the kiosk as you enter the park to pay the $10 day use fee. When planning your trip, be sure to allow time for stopping at the kiosk, plus an additional 10-minute drive to the launch site from there. You can unload your boat at the put-in before parking—we will help each other with this—and there is a vault toilet in the parking lot.

We will meet at 9 am (come earlier if you need more time to get ready), have the safety talk at 9:30 am, and plan to launch by 9:45 am.

Meeting Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:45:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: ESTACADA LAKE BOAT RAMP in Milo McIver State Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VpY8Jh1VqeKbRvtj8)
Take out:: ESTACADA LAKE BOAT RAMP
Route Alternative for bad weather:: none
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer:: Shari Bandes
Co-Organizer(s):: Robin Rabiroff
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:: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: 59º-73º
Estimated Water Temperature:: 55º
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 3.5 hours
Tide times & heights:: n/a
Current information:: current increases near the upper dam
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 3: Bad footing, rocky shores, or surf up to 1.5'
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:: Mostly a mellow paddle, but L2 based on limited take-out options and possible strong currents approaching the upper dam
Location:: ESTACADA LAKE BOAT RAMP in Milo McIver State Park (https://maps.app.goo.gl/VpY8Jh1VqeKbRvtj8)
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):

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon