5/26/2024 - Columbia River, Columbia View Park, St. Helens, OR

Time: 2.92 hours

Distance: 9.41 miles

We put into the Columbia River at the docks in Columbia View Park (under renovation) in St. Helens, OR. We paddled down-river then around Sand Island before turning back up-river to paddle along the east side of Sauvie Island. Finally we paddled back down-river to return to our starting point. The tide was going out the entire trip and coupled with the river's flow up-river was slow going in several places but the paddle back was very quick averaging ~6 mph. The day was mostly sunny with a pleasant breeze and while there were quite a few boats on the water they were almost all on the east side of the Columbia, well away from us. A great day.

 

 Lynda on the dock preparing to put in.

A large pylon at the south end of Sand Island.

Lynda paddling up-river on the Columbia approaching a buoy.

Lynda's Buoy Series.

The lighthouse on the northeast side of Sauvie Island.

Lynda scouting for rocks on a short break.

Lynda at the turn around point facing back down-river.

 Dane paddling through a series of old pylons at the north tip of Sauvie Island.