Comments and Discussion
This trip is limited to OOPS members with a WEC. To successfully register, you will need to log into your OOPS member account on the OOPS website.
Narrative: It looks like there will be a break in the rain on Saturday, so join us on an early-season paddle around Bachelor Island. The distance is 10 miles and I expect to get some current assist going downstream on the Columbia. We will circumnavigate clockwise, stopping for stretch breaks and lunch on one of the beaches on the island. I'd like to launch at 10:30, so plan to be at the Ridgefield Boat Launch at 9:45. There is an $8 parking fee to park in this lot for the day. The ticket dispenser by the restroom takes cash only or you can buy a parking pass at Ridgefield Hardware Store at the corner of Pioneer and Main St. Bring a lunch and a warm drink and plenty of warm gloves/hats....it's going to be cold. Meeting Time: 9:45:00 AM Launch Time: 10:30:00 AM Type of activity: Paddle Trip Put in: Ridgefield Boat Launch at the foot of Mill Street....not the kayak launch Take out: Same place Route Alternative for bad weather: Lake River and Bachelor Slough...same launch Required equipment: Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit Primary Organizer: Connie Lively Assistant Organizer(s): Don Durheim 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: 12 I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes Estimated Air Temperature: 45-49 degrees Estimated Water Temperature: 41 degrees F. Estimated Water Time: 4 hours Tide times & heights: Low tide 11:30, 2.4'; High 15:11, 9' Current information: Approx 2-2 1/2 knots Hazards: Shipping traffic 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 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass 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: Less than 1 mile Paddling Environment: Overall rating: Level 2 Rating Comments: We should have some current assist paddling downstream on the Columbia. Location (Optional): Port of Ridgefield Boat Launch at the foot of Mill Street in Ridgefield, WA Photos (optional):