Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Winter Playboating in the NW

When paddlers talk about boating in the NW its usual about the top notch creeking and river running. It is less common to here people speaking about the great play boating. There are a however some fantastic play spots here, like Bob's Hole which is probably the play spot paddlers are most familiar with.  Some of the other great spots are less well know, but are probably as good or better than Bob's. The Washougal, Wilson, Lake Creek, and the Tilton all have fantastic play spots. It is also accepted that paddlers will normally encounter frigid water temps, a bit different than the warmer waters of the Midwest, SE, and East Coast. To brave the frigid  NW waters a dry suit, head warmer, ear plugs and a set of pogies will make the experience more delightful.

For a full description of  play spots around the Portland area check out the NW Play Spots page on my blog    http://pdxriverexplorers.blogspot.com/p/oregon-play-spots.html  

Bob's Hole
Clackamas R.Oregon

Brian C.



Me

The Washougal Hole
Washougal R./Washington

Paddlers on the Washougal Hole at medium flows
Dan R.

 Joel D.
 Brookes F. and Scott W.

Willie I. 


 Brookes F.

Washougal Hole at HIGH water 7000cfs

Me




 Paul

 Jess K.
 Ryan Y.




 Me




 





Me and Jeremy B.


Tony S.

Don't forget to check out the NW Play Spots page on my blog for more detailed play boating info!














1 comments:

Christina Russell said...

Luke-
We went to the playspot at 2600 cfs following the flooding. Just wanted to let you know (if you didn't already) that there are two big rocks in the hole on playboaters left. One of us took a couple hard hits so I wanted to make sure the beta got out to ya for your site. Perhaps things shifted but we have never been there that low before.
-Christina