Lewis River–Vancouver Lake Water Trail PADDLING GUIDE www.vanclarkparks-rec.org table of contents
Overview Map/Legend...... 1 Welcome...... 2 How to Use Guide...... 3 Safety...... 4 Etiquette...... 5 Trail Maps...... 6-21 N. Fork Lewis River: Woodland...... 6-7 E. Fork Lewis River: La Center...... 8-9 Lake River: N. Ridgefield...... 10-11 Bachelor Island Slough/RidgefieldR efuge.....12-13 Lake River: S. Ridgefield...... 14-15 Lake River: S. Green Lake...... 16-17 Vancouver Lake: West...... 18-19 Vancouver Lake: East...... 20-21 Gear Checklist...... 22 Resources...... 23 Credits & Acknowledgements...... 24 Notes ...... 25
Overview Map showing all routes he 32 river miles in this water trail include Vancouver TLake (more than 5 miles to circumnavigate), the full extent of Lake River (~11.5 miles), a section of the Columbia River along the west side of Bachelor Island (~4 miles), the Bachelor Island Slough and the confluences of the Lewis and Lake Rivers (2.6 miles), upriver on the East Fork of the Lewis River to La Center (~3.25 miles), and upriver on the North Fork of the Lewis River to Woodland (6.5 miles). !
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! 7 A HAYES Clark County ! 21ST ! County
! BRATTON 389TH !
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Woodland A!
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! JENNY CREEK BNSF R 373RD 84 !
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! SPENCER A 88 A! 1 ! A
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! j MAIN PIONEER ! 90 j
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j ! CARTY ! 92 10TH ! A C ! 5
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b ! i 219TH a Lewis River31ST to ! 93
R ! A i v ! 6 209TH
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! Vancouver Lake 199TH ! 196TH 199TH ! 94 192ND
A! 7 41ST
! A KRIEGER Water Trail
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! 179TH 179TH
! 32+ miles Lower ! 95 A 8 ! A of paddling
Columbia !
15TH
! in Clark County UNION
41ST
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River !
! SEWARD 96 1 Water Trail A! 9 A 151ST A 149TH ! 0 2 10TH 146 miles ! A A BLISS
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21ST 139TH TENNEY ! 10 ¨¦§I-205 ! 97 A 3 A L A ! a k 4
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A A ! 11 119TH 6 R ! jA 117THA 98 iv A! j e r
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! HAZEL DELL
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LOWER RIVER
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25TH
! ERWIN O RIEGER MEMORIAL
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A! Vancouver Lake !
! HIGHWAY 99 !
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! Vancouver 0 1 ! 2 3 4
FRUIT VALLEY !
A Miles! !
A ! A legend j Shore Launch City Limits Boat Ramp USGS River Miles Bridge Camping Power Lines State/Federal Lands Shore Access Public Parks * LRVL Water Trail 1 welcome
elcome to your Lewis River-Vancouver Lake Water WTrail! This guide provides information to make your paddling trip safer, more enjoyable and less harmful to our natural resources. Located in southwest Washington, along the Columbia River, Clark County offers abundant ways to enjoy the great outdoors. The Lewis River-Vancouver Lake Water Trail features sites of historic significance, one National Wildlife Refuge (Ridgefield), two state wildlife areas (Shillapoo and Two Forks), a state park (Paradise Point) and hundreds of acres of other public and private conservation lands allowing ample opportunities for wildlife viewing. Water trails help to identify appropriate routes along existing stretches of river and shorelines that allow small water craft such as canoes, kayaks, rafts and stand-up paddleboards access to recreational, scenic and cultural resources. This guide provides information about publicly-accessible areas and offers helpful hints about safety and river etiquette. This water trail guide is intended to enhance recreational opportunities for paddlers of all abilities by providing river mileage, waterway conditions and trip planning details. Maps are also available on the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation website www.cityofvancouver.us /parks-recreation/parks_trails/trails/watertrail.asp and the guide is also available on the Lower Columbia Estuary partnership website: www.estuarypartnership.org. Enjoy the view from the water!
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how to use this guide he Lewis River-Vancouver Lake Water Trail covers Tmuch of the western boundaries of Clark County, Washington; touches the southern edge of Cowlitz County in Woodland, Washington; and reaches into the borders of La Center, Ridgefield and Vancouver. This guide is oriented from north to south, traveling from the North Fork of the Lewis River in Woodland to the southern shore of Vancouver Lake in Vancouver, Washington. Be aware that river currents are strongly influenced by both wind and tidal conditions, and can combine to negate the strength of the river current. Existing public boat ramps or shore launch sites are located in a number of places. This water trail extends along the North Fork of the Lewis River from the informal shore launch beside the bridge crossing at Hayes Road in Woodland and the East Fork Lewis River from launch sites at the City of La Center Bridge to the south end of Vancouver Lake where an unpaved boat launch allows access from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) lands at the end of La Frambois Road in Vancouver. The maps are divided into eight sections containing over four river miles in each section and indicating river miles, paved boat ramps and shore launch sites. Shore launches have highly variable conditions in surfacing, distance to vehicle load/unload, parking, slopes and roughness, and amenities such as drinking water and restrooms, all of which may affect ease of accessibility and convenience. Portions of the water trail are also available for boating and fishing. To avoid congestion at boat ramps, launch from the shore, when appropriate. Before setting out, check tidal charts that influence direction of current on Lake River as this will affect paddling speed, effort needed and time to travel between launch sites. www.tidespy.com www.west-fly-fishing.com
3 3 Paddling Safety hile waterways provide a variety of recreational Wopportunities, water currents, debris, side channels, weather and other factors can present risks. Plan ahead and be prepared to safely enjoy your paddling experience.
Paddle Checklist o Prepare a float plan www.floatplancentral.org. Inform others of your trip and expected return time. o Wear a properly-fitted personal flotation device (PFD) with a whistle. Youth 12 years or younger are required to wear a PFD by state statute. o Do not paddle alone. o Learn about your route in advance, especially potential hazards and emergency access. o Know the weather forecast. If you experience sudden temperature drops, increasing and volatile winds or darkening clouds, get off the water. o Review tidal charts ahead of time. High water conditions can leave launch sites underwater without access. Low water conditions during summer and low tide can require portaging (walking/carrying). o Don’t depend on your cell phone. Long stretches of the water trail have no cell phone coverage. o Dress for variable weather conditions, including air and water temperature. o Examine launch/landing areas carefully to note water depths, uneven surfaces, currents and hazards. o Carry food and water adequate for your trip length. o Maintain distance between your boat and objects in the water, including motor boats, which may cause waves that could capsize a canoe or kayak. o Position your boat perpendicular to an approaching wake. o Be able to effectively steer and propel your boat. o Never float or paddle over a fallen tree or other obstruction. o Carry proper safety and first aid equipment. o Learn how to self-rescue in the event of capsize. o Research and plan ahead to be prepared. 4 Etiquette ppropriate, low-impact use of the water trail is the Aresponsibility of all who use this natural resource and will ensure these waterways stay beautiful and healthy. On your travels, be considerate of others. Give space to those who are fishing or hunting and don’t use the boat ramp when launching or taking out during busy fishing seasons if other space is available. Leave No Trace When enjoying the Water Trail, respect sensitive habitats and do not alter your surroundings. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you found them. Secure trash to your boat so it does not blow into the water. Reserve restroom breaks for designated sites. Campsites and public lands along the trail have a range of amenities - study your maps for these locations. Where campfires are permitted, use designated fire rings. Take out what you brought in, including trash, if proper receptacles are unavailable. Make your best effort to leave the area as if people had not been there at all. Learn more at Leave No Trace www.wwta.org/lnt/principles.asp. Encountering Wildlife Quietly view wildlife, giving a wide berth to the birds and animals you encounter. A small pair of binoculars can help you maintain a safe distance while viewing. Do not disturb stranded or wounded animals. Respect Private Property The river is open for recreation but lands along the shore may be private or restricted wildlife refuge lands. Respect private property and posted lands and do not trespass.
credit Ridgefield Kayak
5 North Fork Lewis River: Woodland Section
he North Fork Lewis River completes its final miles Tflowing south through Woodland before joining the East Fork to form the main stem of the river. Tidal influences from the Columbia River can extend upstream as far as mile 7 on the North Fork Lewis River. Paddlers should be cautious around the support structures of the Hayes Road and Interstate 5 bridges.
A B C D
A Hayes Road Bridge C Martin WDFW Shore Launch Boat Ramp Ownership: Public road Ownership: Public, State right-of-way Signage: Not visible Signage: Not visible from road from road Launch: Paved ramp Launch: Steep slope, eroded Parking: Gravel lot, Parking: Right-of way, 50+ spaces gravel, 12 spaces Restroom: Vault toilet Restroom: None Fees: Discover Pass required Fees: None $10/daily, $30/annual
B Pekin Ferry Inland D Paradise Point State Navigation Boat Ramp Park Shore Launch Ownership: Private Ownership: Public, State Signage: Visible from road Signage: Not visible Launch: Boat ramp, no fee, from road paved Launch: Gravel Parking: Paved, 10+ spaces Parking: Gravel lot Restroom: Portable toilet Restroom: Vault toilet Fees: Parking $5/day or Fees: Discover Pass required $125/annual $10/daily or $30/annual Amenities: Camping, Amenities: Campground, playground, swim beach picnicking, showers, disk golf
6 North Fork Lewis River BACKMAN Woodland Section Hayes Road Bridge Shore Launch 8
AMIDON
CARDAI HILL HAYES 7 • Public • No restroom • Gravel launch • Gravel parking: 12 spaces Tidal in uences up to • No launch fee • Signage for launch is not visible from road about mile 7 Pekin Ferry Inland Navigation Co.Boat Ramp 395TH Hayes Road Bridge HAYES Shore Launch
LLIH ESOOG LLIH
Woodland • Private • Paved launch • Paved parking for fee: $5 per car, $125 annual pass: 10 + spaces • No launch fee • Signage for launch is visible from road • H/C Portable toilet • Camping, playground, swim beach
LAKESHORE 6 BRATTON Martin WDFW Boat Ramp PACIFIC
• Public • Vault toilet • Paved launch • Gravel parking: 50 + spaces • Discover Pass required • Signage for launch is not visible from road Be cautious around $30 annual or $10 daily
N *pilings for 1-5 bridges
o Paradise Point State Park Shore Launch
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5 • Public • Vault toilet L • Gravel launch • Discover pass required: $30/year; $10/daily e w • No launch fee • Signage for launch is not visible from road I-5 Future boat-in camping potential • State Park amenities: camping, picnicking, showers i s
R i v e TOENJES r Paradise Point State Park Legend Shore Launch j Shore Launch 4 USGS River Miles k r 1 Boat Ramp o wis Riv F Le er
3 State/Federal Lands
Martin WDFW t s
a Public Parks Boat Ramp E City Limits Pekin Ferry Two Forks Wildlife Area Inland Navigation PEKIN FERRY 0 Company N HALEH A Boat Ramp LE Hale Road A! 334TH 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Shore Launch PARK PARADISE Miles North Fork Lewis River: Woodland Section
Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 7 East Fork Lewis River: La Center Section
his stretch of the lower East Fork Lewis River flows Tthrough state and county conservation lands. From La Center, the natural shoreline dominates the landscape until the intrusion of the Interstate 5 bridge that looms above the Paradise Point State Park shore launch. Just beyond the bridge, the Two Forks Wildlife Area provides more wildlife watching opportunities before the East Fork joins with the North Fork to become the Lewis River for its last 3.5 miles to the Columbia River. With numerous access sites, coordinating paddling trips as a one-way shuttle is relatively easy. A leisurely winter paddle trip from La Center to Pekin Ferry should take about 1.25 hours.
e f g h e La Center Shore Launch g Pekin Ferry Inland Ownership: Public Navigation Boat Ramp Signage: Not visible from Ownership: Private road Signage: Visible from road Launch: Gravel, shore access Launch: Boat ramp, paved Parking: Gravel, 4 spaces Parking: Paved, 10+ spaces Paved at La Center Bottoms Restroom: Portable toilet Restroom: At La Center Fees: Parking $5/day or Bottoms $125/annual Fees: None Amenities: Camping, playground, swim beach f Pollock Road Shore Launch h CD Hale Road Ownership: Public Shore Launch Signage: Not visible Ownership: Public road from road right-of-way Launch: Gravel, shore access Signage: Not visible Parking: None, gravel from road right-of-way Launch: Gravel shoreline, Restroom: None rough surface Fees: None Parking: Gravel, limited space Restroom: None Fees: None
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FIR GAITHER N
18TH
17TH PIONEER STONECREEK
15TH ! A
8TH
7TH ELM
11TH
SINNE
5TH 6TH
Bottoms
La Center La Center SELPAC NORTH FORK NORTH
BIRCH 4TH
HERITAGE
Pollock Road Shore Launch
7TH ASPEN
ASPEN j POLLOCK
3 4TH Miles TIMMEN Boat Ramp Camping Shore Launch USGS River Miles State/Federal Lands Public Park - Local Jurisdiction City limits La Center Shore Launch ! A Legend
La Center
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0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
i HT41
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River Greenway Lewis East Fork
HT42
k r o , $125 annual pass: 10 + spaces F
t s
324TH a Paradise Point Paradise Park State
E 31ST
¦I-5 319TH 31ST PARADISE PARK 1 • No restroom • Room for limited parking • Gravel turnaround area • Paved parking for fee: $5 per ca r • Signage for launch is visible from road • Camping, playground, swim beach Paradise Point State Park Shore Launch
319TH TS14
HALE • Public, Dead-end Road • Shore launch • No launch fee • Private • Paved launch • No launch fee • Portable toilet wo Forks
324TH T Area Wildlife Hale Road Shore Launch Pekin Ferry Inland Navigation Company Boat Ramp 0
4 ALLEN CANYON ALLEN Hale Road Shore Launch
PEKIN FERRY
Martin WDFW Boat Ramp 334TH 3
r Rosannah Lake
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• Restroom • Gravel parking no fee: 4 spaces • Signage for launch is not visible from road • No restroom • No parking • Signage for launch is not visible from road
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Pekin Ferry Inland Navigation Company Boat Ramp 71ST w
e L LANCASTER
d lroa • Public • Gravel launch • No launch fee 2 • Public • Gravel launch • No launch fee Morgan Landing Shore Launch BNSF Rai Pollock Road Shore Launch East Fork Lewis River: La Center Section La Center Shore Launch
East Fork Lewis River: La Center Section
Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 9 Lake River: North Ridgefield Section
he confluences of the Lewis River and Lake River Twith the Columbia have strong currents and tidal changes that should keep paddlers alert and close to the shore. Watch for submerged pilings and sandbars. Since Morgan Landing shore launch has no parking, this unimproved access to the Lewis River should be used only as a drop-off or pick-up location. Rich in wildlife and cultural history, osprey and bald eagles abound. Lewis and Clark campsite is about 1.9 miles downstream from Ridgefield Marina boat ramp on river right, directly across from entrance to Bachelor Slough. Due to heavy motorized boat traffic, paddlers should hug the shoreline and know how to handle boat wake and self-rescue in case of capsize. Note: Do not enter Gee Creek (just outside the mouth of Lake River); this is a protected wildlife habitat and borders private property. For more details, go to Friends of Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge. www.ridgefieldfriends.org.
Morgan Landing Restroom: Portable toilet
Shore Launch Fees: Launch $6/day or $20 Ownership: Public season pass; obtain permit Signage: Not visible from at Mill St. boat ramp site road Notes: Launch: Primitive, abrupt • Access along Lake River edge at end of pavement; on alignment of Division difficult Street, west of Railroad Parking: Prohibited Avenue Restroom: None • Waterfront redevelopment Fees: None in process, changes to Notes: access may occur • Morgan Street right-of-way, private Mill Street/Ridgefield property on both sides Boat Ramp Ownership: Public Division Street/Ridgefield Signage: Visible from road Shore Launch Launch: Boat ramp, paved Ownership: Public Parking: Paved, 20 spaces Signage: Visible from road Restroom: Flush toilet Launch: Gravel ramp Fees: Launch $6/day or $20 Parking: Gravel, road season pass shoulder, 10 spaces
10 Cowlitz County Lake River - North DAORLIAR Ridge eld Section A! Morgan Landing Shore Launch 2 Historic Railroad trestle bridge BeeBe’s Campground 1 Morgan Landing • Private • No restroom private $5/dayboat launch • Gravel launch • Parking ?, no fee Shore Launch • No launch fee • Signage for launch is not visible from road r Division St./Ridgefield Shore Launch ive R r s e i
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i e L Strong tidal influences at confluence —
R
watch for submerged pilings
0 Clark County • Public facility for non-motorized watercraft • Portable rest room Sandbars exposed in low water • Gravel launch • Gravel parking, no fee; 10 spaces
• Launch fee: $6 per day & • Signage for launch is visible from road (typically July-October) $20 season pass for canoes/kayaks
a
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b Mill St./Ridgefield Boat Ramp Respect private property
m
u & wildlife refuge land—
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o stay out of Gee Creek
C G e ek 0 e re C • Public • Paved ramps (2) • Flush toilets • Launch fee: $6 per day & • Paved parking, no fee: 20 spaces $20 season pass for canoes/kayaks • Signage for launch is visible from road
L a k e Wildlife Refuge R i ve r 2-mile stretch of 1 Lake River has heavy tra c— subject to wakes
Bachelor Island
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Shore Launch NIAM N MILL Mill St./Ridgefield Boat Ramp * 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Ridgefield Kayak - rental & guiding service Miles Lake River: North Ridgefield Section A Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 11 Bachelor Island Slough/Ridge- field National Wildlife Refuge
he paddle trip around Bachelor Island can be highly Tvariable due to changing water levels and the dynamic nature of the Columbia River. The Columbia is an active shipping channel where paddlers should stay far from large vessels. Wildlife viewing is more successful along the shores. Use care in seasons of high water not to unintentionally enter the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, a protected shoreline, and disturb the wildlife. During hunting season (October–January), this is a recommended paddle since waterfowl hunting is prohibited in the Slough. River otters have been seen along the shoreline and sandhill cranes can sometimes be seen and heard in later September and October. From Ridgefield Marina, the Bachelor Island Loop may be paddled clockwise or counter-clockwise. The non- vegetated beach (exposed at low water) of Bachelor Island is administered by Washington Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR) and open to the public; the Refuge portions are signed and closed to the public. July-October: low tide/water may require portage between Bachelor Slough and the Columbia, and just beyond the bridge connecting the Refuge’s River “S” and Bachelor Island units. Bachelor Island Loop Duration: 5-6 hours (10 miles) Best paddled in clockwise direction. Division Street/ • Waterfront redevelopment Ridgefield Shore Launch in process, changes to Ownership: Public access may occur Signage: Visible from road Launch: Gravel ramp Mill Street/ Parking: Gravel, road Ridgefield Boat Ramp shoulder, 10 spaces Ownership: Public Restroom: Portable toilet Signage: Visible from road Fees: Launch $6/day or $20 Launch: Boat ramp, paved season pass; obtain permit Parking: Paved, 20 spaces at Mill St. boat ramp site Restroom: Flush toilet Notes: Fees: Launch $6/day or • Access along Lake River $20 season pass on alignment of Division Street, west of Railroad Avenue 12 87
WARRIOR ROCK 7 Bachelor Island Slough BUOY "1" 7 Ridge eld National Ge e 0 Creek Wildlife Refuge
BUOY "4" Q R National 7 L a k e Wildlife
R 88 iv Refuge er
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C Ridgefield Division Street Shore Launch j Mill Street DNR land National Boat Ramp 1 Wildlife Bachelor Island A! Refuge Bridge
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lo S d River “S” Exposed beach n l a and tidelands Is r lo allow public e h c access a B2 91
A! Low Water 2.6 (seasonal) portage zone—
BUOY"13" FL G 6S beware of tidal N 7 conditions 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Miles Bachelor Island Slough/ Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge
Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 13 Lake River: South Ridgefield Section
n 8.5 mile stretch of Lake River Ridgefield to Felida Ais quiet with little boat traffic. The best way to approach this paddle is to start at either Ridgefield or the Felida Moorage. Either launch location makes for a very long trip if you plan to go end-to-end. You may prefer to start at either end and paddle out-and-back. This section is heavily affected by tides and wind and can be a torturous trip against the tide and into the wind. Less than a mile south of the Ridgefield Boat Launch, Lake River passes beneath the bridge connecting the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Unit “S” to the mainland. Herons, egrets and other waterfowl are frequent along this section of river. Watch for bald eagles, osprey and otters.
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I Division Street/ J Mill Street/ Ridgefield Shore Launch Ridgefield Boat Ramp Ownership: Public Ownership: Public Signage: Visible from road Signage: Visible from road Launch: Gravel ramp Launch: Boat ramp, paved Parking: Gravel, road Parking: Paved, 20 spaces shoulder, 10 spaces Restroom: Flush toilet Restroom: Portable toilet Fees: Launch $6/day or $20 Fees: Launch $6/day or $20 season pass season pass; obtain permit at Mill St. boat ramp site Notes: • Access along Lake River on alignment of Division Street, west of Railroad Avenue • Waterfront redevelopment in process, changes to access may occur
14 FALCON
LARK DIVISION HT02 22ND Division Street/ DAORLIAR
Ridgefield MAIN Lake River - South MILL Shore Launch Ridge eld Section
Mill Street/ 1ST
Ridgefield 21ST Boat Ramp 9TH 3
Timber bridge to RNWR
HILLHURST
Fales Road Access Site National Wildlife Ridgefield Refuge 4
Undeveloped public right-of-way that lacks parking and any launch amenities.
*Tides & winds can negate current
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a L Shore Launch
ROTH Campbell Lake ! USGS River Miles-Lake River 209TH A 6 Boat Ramp
(Core wildlife State/Federal Lands sanctuary. Public Parks Please City Boundary keep out)
KRIEGER 199TH N 4.5 miles OVERHEAD 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 POWER LINES to Felida Lake River: South Ridgefield Section Miles
Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 15 Lake River: South Green Lake Section
ake River, which connects Vancouver Lake to the LColumbia River near Ridgefield, can flow in or out depending on tidal cycles and water levels in the lake relative to the Columbia River. Clark County Code restricts motorboat use on the lake to slow-no wake. This private launch in a houseboat community was recently improved and lends itself wonderfully for kayak launching. You can paddle past the boathouses, going north to begin your journey up Lake River or head south to explore the shallow waters of Vancouver Lake. Once you pass the boathouses, keep a sharp eye out for the mouth of Salmon Creek which, when the water is high enough, makes for a great side trip.
k k k k k Felida MoorAGe Boat Ramp/NW 122nd Street Ownership: Private Signage: Not visible from road Launch: Boat ramp, fee, paved Parking: Gravel, 30 spaces Restroom: Flush toilet Fees: Parking $.50/vehicle, $3/boat launch per person Amenities: Camping (tent and RV) Note: • Houseboat community along Lake River just north of Vancouver Lake
16 OVERHEAD POWER LINES 7 National 4.5 miles Lake River - South Wildlife to Ridgefield Refuge KRIEGER Green Lake Section Felida Moorage Boat Ramp
179TH
51ST • Private • Gravel parking: .50 cents per vehicle: 30 spaces • Paved ramp • Signage for launch is not visible from road • Launch fee $3 per boat • Houseboat community 8 Green • Flush toilets Lake Lake River: Reach Characteristics
n Cre Salmo e k Salmon Creek: Confluence Characteristics
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Shillapoo Wildlife Area Legend Shore Launch A! USGS River Miles-Lake River Felida Moorage 122ND Boat Ramp Boat Ramp 11 Culvert State/Federal Lands planned for Public Parks removal N
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1
Buckheimer Slough Miles Lake River: South Green Lake Section
Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 17 Vancouver Lake: West Section
ancouver Lake, Clark County’s largest natural lake, Vhas a surface area of approximately 2,300 acres that varies with seasonal changes. Shoreline is seven miles and the lake’s maximum width is two miles. Lake depth is three to 15 feet. Paddling on the open water can be highly variable with weather conditions liable to change rather quickly. Paddling close to shore will add more visibility for potential bird watching and other wildlife encounters. Bald eagles are frequent visitors to the Lake. Summer: Low water conditions in the Lake can lead to algae blooms, resulting in unsafe swimming conditions. Be aware of water quality conditions before enjoying recreational opportunities. Vancouver Lake Park: A 234-acre day-use park on the southwest shore of Vancouver Lake is a great place to stage or rest as part of a paddle trip. Canoes and kayaks can be launched from the beach. The WDFW boat launch is on the south shore of the Lake at the end of La Frambois Road.
l l m m l Vancouver Lake m Vancouver Lake Park Shore Launch WDFW Shore Launch Ownership: Public Ownership: Public Signage: Not visible Signage: Not visible from road from road Launch: Shore, sand Launch: Unimproved Parking: Paved, fee, 50 boat ramp spaces Parking: Gravel Restroom: Flush toilet Restroom: None Fees: Parking $3/day/car, Fees: Discover Pass $30/yr $6/car/truck & trailer, $8/ or fishing/hunting license bus, $40 annual pass required Amenities: Sandy swim Notes: beach, shower • Southern end of Vancouver Note: “No boat access” Lake, La Frambois Rd. leads sign is for motorized boats. through Shillapoo Wildlife Area Hand-carry non-motorized to shallow waters of the Lake. boats from vehicles in the • Shore launch conditions parking area. vary with lake levels. 18 Felida Moorage 11 Boat Ramp Vancouver Lake Shillapoo Lake River Wildlife West Section Area Vancouver Lake Regional Park Shore Launch
• Public • Paved parking for fee: $3 per car, • Sand launch $6 car & trailer, $8 bus, $40 annual pass: 50+ spaces • No launch fee • Signage for launch is not visible from road (?) • Flush restrooms & shower • Regional park amenities
Buckmire Slough Vancouver Lake WDFW Boat Ramp
Vancouver Lake • Public • Unimproved boat launch • Discovery Pass $30/year or Regional Park Fishing/hunting license required • No amenities Vancouver Lake Vancouver Lake Park Shore Launch
Vancouver Lake Crew Flushing Channel (private dock)
Vancouver Lake WDFW Boat Ramp
OLD LOWER RIVER LAFRAMBOIS
Legend
Shillapoo Shore Launch Wildlife A! USGS River Miles-Lake River Area Boat Ramp
State/Federal Lands Public Parks City Boundary N Port of Vancouver
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 Miles Vancouver Lake: West Section
Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 19 Vancouver Lake: EAST Section
ost of the land along the shores of Vancouver MLake is conserved for wildlife habitat, especially for migratory waterfowl. The city, county and partner agencies have helped restore extensive wetlands; portions of the lowlands are leased for farming. The WA Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) property provides a launch at the end of La Frambois Road.
n n o o n Vancouver Lake WDFW o Felida MoorAGe Boat Shore Launch Ramp/NW 122nd Street Ownership: Public Ownership: Private Signage: Not visible from Signage: Not visible road from road Launch: Unimproved Launch: Boat ramp, boat ramp fee, paved Parking: None Parking: Gravel, 30 spaces Restroom: None Restroom: Flush toilet Fees: Discover Pass $30/yr Fees: Parking $.50/vehicle, or fishing/hunting license $3/boat launch required Note: Notes: • Houseboat community • Southern end of along Lake River just north Vancouver Lake, La of Vancouver Lake Frambois Rd. leads through Shillapoo Wildlife Area to shallow waters of the Lake. • Shore launch conditions vary with lake levels.
20 122 ND
36TH Vancouver Lake 11 119TH Felida Moorage East Section Lake RiverBoat Ramp
Vancouver Lake WDFW Boat Ramp
DAORLIAR
21ST
99TH
FRUIT VALLEY Vancouver Lake
78TH
LAKESHORE
Vancouver Lake Sailing Club 69TH WHITNEY (private docks)
Vancouver Lake 61ST WDFW Shore Launch
FRUIT VALLEY Legend
Shore Launch
USGS River Miles-Lake River
Shillapoo Boat Ramp Wildlife Incorporated Vancouver Area State/Federal Lands Lake Public Parks Lowlands
LAFRAMBOIS N
0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 39TH Miles Vancouver Lake: east Section
Miles 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 gear checklist lways wear a life jacket with a whistle. In AWashington, children 12 years and younger are required by law to wear life jackets when in boats that are underway. o Personal flotation device o Extra paddle & leash o Non-cotton clothes o Drinking water/food o First aid kit o Maps/compass/GPS o Flashlight/headlamp/extra batteries o Rope or bungee cords o Bailer or bilge pump o Pocket knife or multi-tool o Sunscreen & lip balm o Hat with brim o Sunglasses o Extra ropes o Dry bags o Matches/lighter in waterproof container o Whistle o Cell phone (coverage is often unreliable) o Binoculars o Emergency Blanket
22 resources Emergencies Call 9-1-1
River Flow/tidal Information waterdata.usgs.gov/wa/nwis/rt www.west-fly-fishing.com Tide Predictions www.saltwatertides.com Tides www.tidespy.com
Personal Float Plan www.wwta.org/lnt/Float%20Plan.pdf
Weather Local Weather www.weather.yahoo.com Weather Radio All Hazards www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr Recorded Weather Forecasts (NOAA) 503-261-9246 Wind Report/Buoys www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/buoys.php boater information American Canoe Association www.americancanoe.org Washington Kayak Club www.washingtonkayakclub.org Washington Water Trails Association www.wwta.org Canoe & Kayak Resources www.paddling.net Lower Columbia River Water Trail www.columbiawatertrail.org Boating Handbook www.boat-ed.com/washington/handbook/index.html U.S. Coast Guard www.uscgboating.org other Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge www.ridgefieldfriends.org www.fws.gov/ridgefieldrefuges/complex/
Instruction/Tours & Retail/Rentals Checklists, Classes and Videos – REI www.rei.com Rentals & Guided Paddling Excursions www.ridgefieldkayak.com
Camping Pekin Ferry Inland Navigation Company www.pekinferry.com Washington State Parks www.parks.wa.gov (see Paradise Point State Park) Felida Moorage local.yahoo.com/info-22274862- felida-moorage-marine-service-vancouver Overnight camping is not allowed at parks owned by Clark County.
23 Credits & Acknowledgements Generous donations from the Parks Foundation of Clark County and Tidewater Barge Lines made development and printing of this guide possible. Thank you!
Partners with Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department and the National Park Service who contributed to the content for this water trail guide include: Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership, Ridgefield Kayak, Parks Foundation of Clark County, Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge, Sierra Club Loo Wit Group, Pekin Ferry Inland Navigation Company and additional volunteers.
The Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA) is a community assistance arm of the National Park Service. Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation received a RTCA technical assistance grant to help develop a plan for Clark County’s first official water trail along 32 miles of waterways between Woodland and Vancouver Lake. This paddling guide is one outcome from the water trail plan.
Help support your waterways, parks and recreation areas with a donation to the Parks Foundation of Clark County. Go to www.parksfoundation.us for information. notes
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25 V ancouver-ClARK Parks & Recreation Department (VCPRD) 415 W. 6th Street, P.O. Box 1995, Vancouver, WA 98668-1995 360-487-8320 www.vanclarkparks-rec.org
National Park Service - Pacific West Region Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA-PNW) 360-816-6232 www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca
Parks Foundation of Clark County 415 W. 6th Street, P.O. Box 61424, Vancouver, WA 98666 360-487-8370 www.parksfoundation.us
Produced 2013