Comments and Discussion
Narrative: Adventure awaits! We can take advantage of the current on this 10 mile trip on the Willamette. Launch will be from the Boones Ferry Marina in Wilsonville. On the route, we will pass the confluence of the Molalla River to the Willamette and then take a lunch break at Hebb Park. After lunch we will continue downstream and go through the Narrows. At very high water flows (above 60+ feet) the Narrows can be very interesting indeed but currently levels are at about 58.5 feet, which should make the Narrows fun with some challenges by choice. There will be some stronger currents and eddies as we pass through the small islands, rock formations and narrow section of the river. You should be comfortable with paddling in this type of environment. I don’t anticipate anything above a Level 2 along the route. The levels may drop slightly this week. This is a very nice section of the Willamette and this late in the season there is generally not much other boat traffic. Take out will be at Willamette Park in West Linn. We will meet at 10 AM at Boones Ferry Marina and set up the car shuttle, launching at 11AM. There are lots of good options nearby in West Linn for post paddle refreshments ;)
Also, the plan is to stop and play around some features in the Narrows. Please bring a helmet if you plan on participating in playing around these features. If the group is interested, we can work on more advanced skills as desired. This is optional of course. Meeting Time: 10:00:00 AM Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM Type of activity: Level 2 Paddle Trip Put in: Boones Ferry Marina in Wilsonville Take out: Willamette Park in West Linn Route Alternative for bad weather: We will likely launch from West Linn Willamette park and only go to Narrows and back. If weather is not agreeable then will cancel. Required equipment: Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit Primary Organizer: Shawn Altman Assistant Organizer(s): Bob Freshman 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: 14 I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes Estimated Air Temperature: 50 Estimated Water Temperature: 46.5 Estimated Water Time: 5 hrs Tide times & heights: na Current information: At most about 2.5 nm Hazards: Rocks in the potential Narrows play spots 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: This is a solid level ii trip and with the narrows may feel more like ii+ depending on current and conditions. Should be a calm and beautiful day. Location (Optional): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Boones+Ferry+Marina