Monday August 15th to Friday August 19th, 2011

Paddle Oregon Registration:  $635 Adults  |  $535 Youth (17 and younger)
Early registration (by April 18th):  $595 Adults  

Registration includes delicious northwest cuisine, daily baggage shuttle, safety paddlers, camping accommodations, showers where possible, entertainment and educational opportunities, t-shirts, reusable lunch bags, ACA insurance coverage and logistical support.

When you fill out your on-line registration form, you may choose to fulfill your payment securely, online via PayPal (no account required), or mail a check to us.

Additional Options
Shuttle: $35/per person
Massage: $20 for 15 minutes
Beer and Wine: available each evening for an additional charge, plus tasting events

Refunds, less a $100 processing fee, will be issued to those who submit a written or verbal cancellation by July 15th, 2011. From July 16th to August 1st, cancellations will be accepted less a $200 fee. NO refunds will be granted after August 1st, 2011 for any reason.

ITINERARY  August 15–19, 2011  

This year’s trip will begin at Crystal Lake Boat Ramp (in Corvallis) and will have a "surprise ending" in the vicinity of Willamette Falls: either Clackamette Park (in Oregon City, below the Falls) if the Willamette Falls Locks are open, or Bernert Landing (in West Linn, just above the Falls) if the locks are closed. We will keep you posted as per the Army Corps of Engineers plans to operate the locks!

Although the Willamette River is primarily calm this time of year due to lower water levels, sections of the river have considerable current that require paddlers to have the skill to maneuver their boats in moving water and dynamic currents.

These skills include familiarity and experience with basic strokes and maneuvers such as forward and reverse paddling, turning in current, navigating river bends, paddling upstream, and ferrying. Paddlers also need to have an understanding of river features such as reading the flow (where is the main current moving? where is it too shallow to pass?), eddy lines (how they work, how to move across them safely), and recognizing hazards like obstructions or strainers (such as woody debris).

In addition to basic skills, we recommend practicing rescue techniques prior to the trip, and encourage that participants have recent experience paddling 10 to 20 miles per day to assure one’s stamina is adequate to enjoy the trip. Your pod will take regular breaks as needed. The upper river has slightly more gradient, resulting in a decent current that will assist us as we paddle down river (although there is always the possibility of a headwind!).

All participants are required to meet two of the following:

• Paddling experience on moving water (strong river currents, eddies, etc.) within the last two (2) years.
• Moving water paddling instruction within the last four (4) years.
• Previous participation in Paddle Oregon.

Additional Requirements for Participants 17 and Under

• All minors need to have had wet exit and rescue training/experience or will be required to paddle with an adult.
• All minors need to know how to swim.

We strongly recommend that your boat be at least 14 feet in length. Paddling a boat that meets this minimum length recommendation will make it easier for you to paddle the long distances that some days require.

If you have questions about these requirements, give us a call and we will be happy to talk to you about whether or not your experience is adequate or a class is appropriate. Ask for Kate.

 

Canoes and kayaks can be rented for an additional fee through local paddling shops.

Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe offers a discounted rate for Paddle Oregon participants: $150 includes a canoe or kayak, life jackets, paddles, and transportation of the boat. Call for details and payment arrangements.

*When renting a boat, we strongly suggest that you test paddle your rental boat prior to committing to paddle it for five days on Paddle Oregon!

Alder Creek Kayak & Canoe (503) 285-0464 Portland

You are welcome to arrange for your own transportation or, for an additional $35, on Monday morning, August 15th, you can arrange for WRK’s one-way-shuttle to pick you, your gear, and your boat up at the take out (Clackamette Park) and shuttle you to the put-in (Crystal Lake Boat Ramp in Corvallis).

Limited parking is available for the week at Clackamette Park. There is NO FEE for parking, but reservations are required (see on-line registration form). We cannot guarantee the security of your vehicle for the week. Please do not plan to leave any valuables in your car. There is no overnight parking available at the put-in at the Crystal Lake Boat Ramp in Corvallis, and there is no shuttle back to the put-in at the end of the trip.

*Both Parking & Shuttle options may be indicated on your registration form.

Paddle Oregon arranges all camping and amenities for participants.

Camping locations and types vary from large gravel bars to grassy fields, on private property or state, city and county parks. Sleeping pads are highly recommended.

Amenities at each campground include port-a-potties, permanent restrooms, or both, hand-washing stations, showers where possible, trash receptacles, and communal tables and chairs.

In order to ensure safety and foster camaraderie on the river, paddlers will be grouped into “pods.” Paddlers choose pods based on paddling pace, daily departure times, and special interests. Your choice simply helps us to place you in a group. If you are interested in more than one option you are welcome to change pods during the trip. Each pod will have ten to twelve boats and a minimum of two Pod Leader volunteers.

Pod Leader volunteers are experienced paddlers, and not necessarily professionally trained guides/rescue technicians. They are present to help make decisions on the water, keep the pod together, and assist with rescues when necessary. Therefore, your safety is equally your responsibility. Meeting the necessary skill requirements and listening to the directions of your pod volunteer are essential to having a safe trip.

Catered breakfast, lunch, evening appetizers and dinner will be provided for you, starting with breakfast at the put-in on Monday and ending with lunch on Friday.

Participants will select lunch items at breakfast each day and will be provided with a personal Paddle Oregon lunch tote to pack lunch for the river.

Breakfast and dinner will be served buffet-style, with a variety of delicious items to choose from. There will be both meat and vegetarian options. Our exceptional caterer is happy to work with you if you have food allergies or other restrictions.

Beer and wine will be available each evening for an additional charge.

After a long day on the river, nothing feels better than a massage. Licensed massage therapists will be available most evenings to soothe those aching muscles! There is an additional charge for massage, generally $20 for 15 minutes.

 

 

 

Outdoor Yoga sessions lead by a professional instructor will be held most mornings and evenings to help us stretch, relax, and enjoy. Be sure to pack your favorite yoga mat!

Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers, your camping baggage will be loaded onto a truck when you arrive, then shuttled and unloaded from campsite to campsite each day.

Baggage that is to be shuttled needs to be no more than two reasonably sized duffel bags, each weighing 40 pounds or less. You should pack a separate waterproof bag to take with you on the river to hold extra clothes, jackets, sunscreen, etc. For ideas on what to pack see the Equipment Checklist.