Sand Island and the Columbia River - L2 - T2644

When
July 09, 2026
9:30 AM
Location
Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park
Spaces left
3
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:: Terrence Conlon
Narrative:: Join this mentored paddle to Warrior Lighthouse and exploration of Sand Island and other islands in the Columbia River. We’ll put in at Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park in St Helens (no fee, bathrooms) just past (north of) the St. Helens Marina and motorized boat launch. From the launch, we will head to Sand Island, then paddle downstream to the north end of the island. From there we will cross the Columbia River to explore islands along the Washington shore, before returning to Sand Island. We will stop at Sand Island for lunch and search for wood carvings on the island. Returning to our kayaks, we’ll head upstream to Warrior Lighthouse beach for another break before returning to the cars. Total distance 7 miles. Forecast is temperatures starting in mid 60s and increasing to high 70s F; winds 5-8 kts with gusts of 10-12 kts from NW. Water temperature expected to be 62 F.
Meeting Time:: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time:: 10:30:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park, River Street, St Helens, OR
Take out:: Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park, River Street, St Helens, OR
Route Alternative for bad weather:: shorten trip to Sand Island, cancel
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: None
Primary Organizer:: Terrence Conlon
Co-Organizer(s):: Marty Martinez
Has organizer paddled here before?: Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before?: No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current?: No
First Aid /CPR Person:: Peggy Liggit
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:: 76
Estimated Water Temperature:: 62
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 4-5 hours
Tide times & heights:: L 08:43am 0.5 ft; H 1:01pm 1.3 ft; L 6:26pm 0.3 ft
Current information:: 1-2 kts
Hazards:: Shipping traffic
Wind strength:: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Waves, Swell, Breaking Waves: 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:: Grey Cliffs Waterfront Park, River Street, St Helens, OR (45°52'05.9"N 122°47'56.1"W )
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: St Helens, OR
Link to map of route (Optional):

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon