Estacada Lake (in the Rain?) - L2 - T25A8

When
November 15, 2025
9:00 AM
Location
Milo McGiver State Park, ESTACADA LAKE BOAT LAUNCH
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Full Name:: Brenda C. Brewer
Narrative:: Estacada Lake is a beautiful body of water, part of the Clackamas River, between two dams. We will launch from the boat ramp above the lower dam and paddle upstream, passing cool waterfalls. There is not much current where we start, but as we get closer to the upper dam, it does intensify. We will take our snack and bio break on the gravel bar near the upper dam. If the current is too sporty up there or if there’s not a good landing zone at the gravel bar we will just head on back.

This is generally a mellow level 2 paddle. Hazards include cold (low-mid 40’s in the morning) and cold water (47-48 degrees) so please wear warm woolies under your dry suit, and bring a warm hat and an extra set of dry clothes with you. Also bring your gloves and pogies if you use them, and consider bringing a hot drink or soup. Some folks like helmets to help keep their heads warm and dry. If you're comfortable with a tow belt, feel free to bring that as well. The forecast calls for cloudy with occasional rain showers, a high of 53F, winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%. This being Oregon, the forecast is likely to change.

There is a vault toilet in the parking lot, and a kayak launch as well as the shore to launch from. There are not a whole lot of places to stop for bio breaks, but it's not a long paddle. The lake is within Milo McGiver State Park and the park entrance fee is $10 for Oregon residents and $12 for non-residents.

The address below will take you to the entrance of the park. From the park entrance to the lake is about a 10-15 minute drive, so please allow yourself enough time to arrive stress free and on time. If you're like me and prefer a few extra minutes to be ready, please arrive a few minutes early. We will meet at 9 am, have the safety talk at 9:30 am, and plan to launch by 9:40 am. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to email or text Brenda at abcbrewer@gmail.com or 941-504-4513.

Meeting Time:: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time:: 9:40:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Milo McGiver State Park, ESTACADA LAKE BOAT LAUNCH. 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada OR 97023
Take out:: Milo McGiver State Park, ESTACADA LAKE BOAT LAUNCH. 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada OR 97023
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Shorten the trip, reschedule
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Brenda C Brewer
Co-Organizer(s):: Paige Light-Powell
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:: Brenda C.
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:: low 40's in the am, up to 50 by end of paddle
Estimated Water Temperature:: 47-48 degrees F
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 3 hours
Tide times & heights:: N/A
Current information:: 1 - 1.5 knot/hour or less
Hazards::
Wind strength:: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
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 1: Up to 6 miles
Open crossing:: Level 1: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 2
Rating Comments::
Location:: Milo McGiver State Park, ESTACADA LAKE BOAT LAUNCH. 24101 S Entrance Rd, Estacada OR 97023
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):