Winter Kayaking on the Willamette River
Wayne and I strapped our "Big Yellow Banana" on top of the Tempo for a drive down to Corvallis, Oregon. Our destination had two purposes. The first was to catch a (winning) USC women's basketball game at Oregon State. The second was to paddle the nearby Willamette River.
The next morning our first stop was Peak Sports. It's a huge store located in vintage buildings over two blocks in downtown Corvallis.
We got some excellent free paddling advice from store personnel. We also purchased a Willamette Water Trail Guide. It comes in two volumes depending on which part of the river you plan to explore.
The guide is available to print for free online if you like to plan ahead at the Willamette Riverkeeper. This organization was "founded in 1996 and are dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Willamette River. "
Based on the recommendation we got at Peak Sports, we chose the Water Trail segment from Corvallis north to Albany. It is listed as "Easy" and can be paddled in all seasons.
We took the Tempo right to the river's edge at Michael's Landing. The cement boat ramp is a bit worn, but gentle gravel slope is perfect for kayak launching.
It was very quiet on a partly cloudy February day, but we did have a cheering squad to send us off in true river style.
Stay tuned. Tomorrow I will take you along with us down the river.
Have you ever wanted to try kayaking? This river would be a good place to learn. You can contact Peak Sports at 800.427.6442 to find out about their summer tours and rentals. -- Margy
Labels:
Kayaking,
Pacific Northwest
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If you were just there, we missed each other, again. We were in Salem last weekend and again last night and today. We are back on the dry side again tonight - I still miss the lovely Willamette Valley. Tramp 1 used to work in Albany and Corvallis.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lovely river alright, Margy. Not that I would ever try kayaking in the winter, and even in the summer I need to be with someone who can do the paddling while I 'supervise' - LOL.
ReplyDeleteGood for you and Wayne, though, I'll bet you had as much fun as the ducks have.
-- K
Kay, Alberta, Canada
An Unfittie's Guide to Adventurous Travel
Whilst we are on the subject of kayaking, try this\\\\;
ReplyDeleteYou have to do this, it is so funny.....
1. Go to Google Maps and click on "Get Directions."
2. Enter "New York, NY" as your starting point.
3. Enter "Honolulu, HI" as your destination.
4. Go to the 31st point on your route.
It is great, do try it. Enjoy your trip xxx
Yes, 2 Tramps - ships passing in the night as usual. Some day we will connect. Just hope it isn't a head-on collision.
ReplyDeleteKay - Wish I could get the supervisor gig. Wayne makes me do lots of paddling. In fact, I am better at that than he is. Probably the only thing I can do better than he can.
Fran - That is a hoot. I won't spoil it for anyone else that wants to give it a try.
Margy