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About Appeal tribune. (Silverton, Or.) 1999-current | View Entire Issue (July 11, 2018)
4A ܂ WEDNESDAY, JULY 11, 2018 ܂ APPEAL TRIBUNE Life in the Valley What’s SUP on the Willamette? Stand-up paddle boarding offers a new way to take in beautiful views A relaxing float can be found on the Willamette River between Independence’s Riverview Park and Emil Marx/Lloyd Strange Fishing Hole. PHOTOS BY ZACH URNESS / STATESMAN JOURNAL Zach Urness Salem Statesman Journal USA TODAY NETWORK No river in Oregon takes more grief than the Willamette. Post anything about our backyard stream on social media, and you’re bombarded with people convinced the river is filled with dead bodies, toxic sludge and lots of floaters (not the good kind). This is nonsense, plain and simple. The Willamette is well-tested and provides drinking water for many Ore- gon cities. It’s not crystal clear, and there are issues with garbage, but it’s perfectly safe for recreation. I swim in the Willamette once or twice a week during summer and have never devel- oped any skin rash or disease. Just saying. My only beef with the Willamette near Salem, in fact, is that it’s pretty boring to float in a raft or kayak. It’s sce- nic and peaceful in many stretches — with more wildlife than you’d ever ex- pect — but it’s generally lacking in ex- citement. That’s why I’ve been so excited about taking up SUP, better known as stand- up paddleboarding. It makes a float on the Willamette just a bit more interest- ing and challenging. Because you’re standing up while navigating the board downstream, any riffle or twisting cur- rent suddenly becomes a mini-thrill. It takes some getting used to, but isn't overly difficult or dangerous (as long as you’re wearing a life jacket). But, make sure you don’t have any problems get- ting wet. Tod Woodward agrees with that con- cept. A Salem firefighter by day, Wood- ward started renting SUPs in Salem based in part on his belief in recreation on the Willamette. “I think people forget that this body of water is breathtaking when you get out on the water,” Woodward said. “Peo- ple search all over Oregon for these hid- den lakes or streams, when in reality, we have this big, beautiful and underuti- lized body of water right here in down- town Salem.” Woodward rents both rigid and in- flatable SUPs from his home in West Sa- lem for $35 per day. They’re also planning SUP guided tours in the future. That’s going to in- clude a paddle, life jacket and all the other things you’ll need for a day on the river. Contact Woodward Surf Company at (503) 910-2619. There are a number of options when it comes to Willamette floating. The best option is to check out the Willamette Water Trail, an online map with the lo- cation of river access points, boat launches, river miles, campsites, picnic areas, river hazards and other helpful information. Here’s a breakdown of some longer and shorter options for an SUP or kayak trip on the Willamette. Guide to the Willamette: Willamette Water Trail What it is: A guide to boating the Willamette River Where to find it: willamettewa- tertrail.org What you'll find: The location of river access points, boat launches, campsites, picnic areas, river hazards and other helpful information What you'll need: A boat, life jacket, paddle, two cars to set up a shuttle Tod Woodward paddles his stand-up paddleboard on the Willamette River. Easy and quick floats Don’t want to be on the river all day? Here are a handful of quick floats that shouldn’t take longer than an hour or two. Good options for those just starting out or paddling with kids. Salem to Keizer, 4.5 miles Put in: Wallace Marine Park Take out: Keizer Rapids Park This is about as straightforward as it gets. The highlight is paddling below Salem’s railroad bridge and navigating around the islands just downstream. Past the islands, the river mellows into a pretty lazy float. Make sure to watch for the dock at Keizer Rapids Park and your take out. Independence to Emil Marx Park, 4.5 mile Put in: Independence's Riverview Park Take out: Emil Marx/Lloyd Strange Fishing Hole This stretch of river is simple and pretty. From Independence's Riverview Park, the river moves at a good pace through generally pleasant scenery. The only downside is occasional motor- boats. A pair of gravel bars make good places for snacking and swimming. Make sure to scout your take out spot, as it’s easy to miss on the side of the river. Spring Valley Greenway to Grand Island Access, 4 miles Put in: Spring Valley (just across from Western Mennonite School) Take out: Grand Island Access This pretty stretch of river takes you past Willamette Mission State Park, across the Wheatland Ferry's path and into the forested channel of Grand Is- land. The river remains scenic throughout, and considering the short distance of the trip, stopping for a swim here and there is encouraged. There are some hazards and things to watch out for on this float. After floating past the Wheatland Ferry, make sure to paddle left, out of the main current and navigate into the left channel of Grand Island. Otherwise, you'll miss your take-out point. The put-in and take-out spots also are tricky. At Spring Valley, you must make your way down a steep embankment to get to the river. It's not too hard for adults but can be tricky for kids. At Grand Island, you must carry your boat about 100 yards to the car. Longer trips If you're looking for a more immer- sive experience on the Willamette, without traveling far from Salem, here are a few longer trips. Keizer Rapids Park to Wheatland Ferry, 8 miles Put in: Keizer Rapids Park Take out: Wheatland Ferry boat landing This quiet and pretty stretch of river might be my favorite stretch on the Wil- lamette near Salem. Once you get paddling, the roads feel a long way away and the riparian forest of the greenways in West Salem take center stage. The trip ends at the Wheatland boat landing. For a longer, and even better trip, continue to Grand Island access. For a shorter trip, take out at Spring Valley. Independence to Wallace Marine, 11.5 miles Put in: Independence's Riverview Park Take out: Wallace Marine Park This stretch of river has always been a little too long, slow and urbanized for my taste, but it's still worth mentioning given its proximity to Salem. The first half is nice, but once the riv- er hits the edge of Highway 22, the float isn't nearly as enjoyable. Even so, this stretch is worth doing. Buena Vista to Independence, 11.5 miles Put in: Buena Vista County Park Take out: Independence's Riverview Park I haven't had time to run this stretch of river yet, but according to those who know, this long day trip or overnight ad- venture might be the best float near Sa- lem. The river curves past multiple is- lands, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge and seven riverside camping spots. The best camping spot, about 2.5 miles into the trip, is American Bottom. It has a fire ring, seasonal toilet and picnic table. Check the Willamette Water Trail website for more campsites and details to make this longer trip worthwhile. Zach Urness has been an outdoors writer, photographer and videographer in Oregon for 10 years. He is the author of the book “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJour- nal.com or (503) 399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.
