Bachelor Island Circumnavigation with Additions, L2, 12-6-22

  This trip is limited to members with a wet exit certification (except for level 1 trips when the paddler is not using a spray skirt....if the paddler is wearing a spray skirt on a level 1 paddle, the Wet Exit Certification is REQUIRED).  To successfully register you will need to sign into your OOPS member account, and your account will need to be a member of the "Wet Exit Certified" group if you intend to wear a spray skirt.  Your acceptance is conditional on approval by the Organizer, who may contact you with questions about your skills and equipment.  If the measured water temperature is different enough from that listed below to warrant a change in required immersion protection, the Organizer will contact all participants and the Trips Board member with the update at least a day before the trip.

Full Name: Dennis Pennell
Activity Title: Bachelor Island Circumnavigation with Additions, L2, 12-6-22
Date of Activity: 12/6/2022
Narrative: This is a circumnavigation of Bachelor Island, launching from the main marina boat launch at Ridgefield (not the kayak launch 1/4 mile north). We will paddle downstream on Lake River to Bachelor Slough. Then upstream on Bachelor Slough to the south end of Bachelor Island. Then continue southbound (upstream) on the Columbia River about 0.75 nm to check out a side channel on the river. Explore the side channel if possible.
Then turn north and paddle downstream on the Columbia River, along the west side of Bachelor Island to the side channel into the interior of Bachelor Island, and go into that and explore it. Then return to the main Columbia River channel, and proceed downstream to the northern end of Bachelor Island, turn back up into Lake River and back to the launch point at Ridgefield boat ramp.
There are plentiful beaches for shore breaks on the south end and west side of Bachelor Island, and on the east shore at confluence of Lake River and Columbia River.

Total Distance: 12-13 nm
Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Ridgefield Main Boat Ramp
Take out: Same as put-in
Route Alternative for bad weather: None. Trip will go if winds below level 4 and temps above freezing
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Dennis Pennell
Assistant Organizer(s):
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:
Maximum number of paddlers: 5
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 44
Estimated Water Temperature: 45
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 5-6 hours
Tide times & heights: St. Helens:
high feet
3:27am 2.15
3:06pm 3.32

low feet
9:54am 0.44
11:29pm -0.21

sun rise 7:37am
sun set 4:26pm
moon rise 3:25pm
moon set 6:16am
Current information: 1.5 knots
Hazards: Shipping traffic
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
Swell/Surf size: Level 2: Waves up to 2', no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 2: Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop, scattered 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 3: 11 to 15 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:
Overall rating: Level 2
Rating Comments:
Location (Optional): https://goo.gl/maps/PyF59vCCrPAxvacc8
Photos (Optional):
COVID-19 Status of Trip: All participants of this trip must be vaccinated for Covid-19