Camping on a paddle trip
Sports - SilvertonAppeal.com
The final installment of the Appeal Tribune’s summer camping series involves possibly the most dangerous way to get out into the great outdoors – a paddle trip.
BY TIMM COLLINS
Appeal Tribune
August 17
One of the best ways to get into the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest is to get a trout’s eye view from one of the many rivers that cut through the mountains and dense forests.
Although camping is legal on all areas governed by the Bureau of Land Management, which includes riverbanks up to the high-water mark, there are many designated camping areas on the river that offer flat areas for tents and tables as well as a protected fire pit.
A nice starter run that can be performed in a kayak, raft or canoe is the stretch between Wickiup Dam and Big River Campground just south of Sunriver. This can be done in two legs, so an overnight camp somewhere in the middle is ideal. Notable campgrounds include Wyeth, Pringle Falls and Big River.
Using a campground instead of a riverbank allows overnighters to leave more gear at base camp and thereby lightening the load of the boat, making it easier to control.
Be sure to bring all the appropriate safety gear such as life jackets, and always scout the river before putting in. If this is the first time on a stretch of river, it is best to talk to a local or someone with more experience to learn of any nuances that might be a danger.
From Wickiup Dam
to Pringle Falls: 9 miles
High mountain air, ponderosa pines, abundant camping sites and great fishing are but a few of the temptations waiting for outdoor adventurers headed to Central Oregon’s Deschutes River.
Perhaps the strongest aspect to this neck of the woods is the wildlife – especially birds of prey like the osprey.
The sound of an osprey calling and the vertical dive to pull a 12-inch trout out of the water just feet from the end of a canoe is not something that is soon forgotten.
The majority of floaters take out at Wyeth campground just above Pringle Falls. Only Class IV rapid experts should consider it after careful scouting.
The falls starts with 200 yards of Class II whitewater above Forest Road 204 bridge. Experienced Class II boaters could eddy out and save about half the portage distance around the falls. The next 100 yards are Class III-plus that leads into the Class IV drop. The next 100 yards are a bouncy Class II, fun, but hold on.
Most people reach this section of the river from US 97 between La Pine and Bend. About 2 miles north of the town of La Pine, or about 4.5 miles south of the La Pine Recreation Area, turn west on the 43 at a sign to Wickiup Reservoir. In 9 miles, NF 43 crosses the river just above Pringle Falls. The first left after the bridge leads to Wyeth Campground, the take-out point.
To reach the put-in at Wickiup Dam, continue west on NF 43 another 2.5 miles. Take a left onto NF 4380, and then turn left again to fallow the reservoir levee to the put in on the north side of dam.
An alternate take out is the La Pine recreation area. Check a Deschutes National Forest Map for details.
Pringle Falls to Big River Camp Ground: 16 miles
The first 7 miles of this trip are similar to the pine forested run above. Near the La Pine Recreation Area the river levels begins to slow and wander through wide-open fields of marsh grass. The pace slows, and fishing opportunities abound.
The Tethrow logjam blocks the river 4 miles below Pringle Falls. The portage is an easy 200-yard hike along the right bank. The banks are steep however, and it is difficult to take out without taking a swim. The water is slow, Class I on this trip, except for the 100 yards of Class II just below the logjam. These rapids offer just enough excitement to get a white water fix, but putting in between the logjam and the rapids takes some quick thinking and loading.
Kayakers will find this area right below the logjam a treat. There is plenty of flat space to turn around, and four big waves lend themselves to surfing holes.
The final installment of the Appeal Tribune’s summer camping series involves possibly the most dangerous way to get out into the great outdoors – a paddle trip.
BY TIMM COLLINS
Appeal Tribune
August 17
One of the best ways to get into the scenic beauty of the Pacific Northwest is to get a trout’s eye view from one of the many rivers that cut through the mountains and dense forests.
Although camping is legal on all areas governed by the Bureau of Land Management, which includes riverbanks up to the high-water mark, there are many designated camping areas on the river that offer flat areas for tents and tables as well as a protected fire pit.
A nice starter run that can be performed in a kayak, raft or canoe is the stretch between Wickiup Dam and Big River Campground just south of Sunriver. This can be done in two legs, so an overnight camp somewhere in the middle is ideal. Notable campgrounds include Wyeth, Pringle Falls and Big River.
Using a campground instead of a riverbank allows overnighters to leave more gear at base camp and thereby lightening the load of the boat, making it easier to control.
Be sure to bring all the appropriate safety gear such as life jackets, and always scout the river before putting in. If this is the first time on a stretch of river, it is best to talk to a local or someone with more experience to learn of any nuances that might be a danger.
From Wickiup Dam
to Pringle Falls: 9 miles
High mountain air, ponderosa pines, abundant camping sites and great fishing are but a few of the temptations waiting for outdoor adventurers headed to Central Oregon’s Deschutes River.
Perhaps the strongest aspect to this neck of the woods is the wildlife – especially birds of prey like the osprey.
The sound of an osprey calling and the vertical dive to pull a 12-inch trout out of the water just feet from the end of a canoe is not something that is soon forgotten.
The majority of floaters take out at Wyeth campground just above Pringle Falls. Only Class IV rapid experts should consider it after careful scouting.
The falls starts with 200 yards of Class II whitewater above Forest Road 204 bridge. Experienced Class II boaters could eddy out and save about half the portage distance around the falls. The next 100 yards are Class III-plus that leads into the Class IV drop. The next 100 yards are a bouncy Class II, fun, but hold on.
Most people reach this section of the river from US 97 between La Pine and Bend. About 2 miles north of the town of La Pine, or about 4.5 miles south of the La Pine Recreation Area, turn west on the 43 at a sign to Wickiup Reservoir. In 9 miles, NF 43 crosses the river just above Pringle Falls. The first left after the bridge leads to Wyeth Campground, the take-out point.
To reach the put-in at Wickiup Dam, continue west on NF 43 another 2.5 miles. Take a left onto NF 4380, and then turn left again to fallow the reservoir levee to the put in on the north side of dam.
An alternate take out is the La Pine recreation area. Check a Deschutes National Forest Map for details.
Pringle Falls to Big River Camp Ground: 16 miles
The first 7 miles of this trip are similar to the pine forested run above. Near the La Pine Recreation Area the river levels begins to slow and wander through wide-open fields of marsh grass. The pace slows, and fishing opportunities abound.
The Tethrow logjam blocks the river 4 miles below Pringle Falls. The portage is an easy 200-yard hike along the right bank. The banks are steep however, and it is difficult to take out without taking a swim. The water is slow, Class I on this trip, except for the 100 yards of Class II just below the logjam. These rapids offer just enough excitement to get a white water fix, but putting in between the logjam and the rapids takes some quick thinking and loading.
Kayakers will find this area right below the logjam a treat. There is plenty of flat space to turn around, and four big waves lend themselves to surfing holes.
posted by AllMountainSports.com @ 4:27 PM
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