First and foremost – what an absolutely beautiful day it was to be out kayaking! We have enjoyed over a week of no rain and a lot of sunshine! Of course, I can’t sit at home when it’s this nice, I have to get out, regardless of how cold it was today!
I was invited by a fellow kayaker to go explore the Santiam River where it dumps into Foster Reservoir. If this is something you want to do, you will use the Calkins Park County Boat Ramp. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out too well for us today. Foster reservoir is exceptionally low right now and there wasn’t enough water to get our kayaks out more than 6ft in the water before it became too shallow.
However, it was more than just the low water level. There was an incredible amount of ice – everywhere! I was able to walk down to the water’s edge, but then it was solid ice in the water for a good 15-20 inches from the shoreline. Here is a photo I took from my kayak after paddling around from the Sunnyside Boat Ramp.
I have never seen ice at Foster Reservoir and it was really something! Very cool, actually!
We began our kayaking adventure, paddling under the bridge and out into Foster Reservoir and then over to the other side where the Calkins boat ramp is located. Our goal was to paddle up the South Santiam River as far as we could go. But, today, there was a major difference from other winter paddles on Foster Reservoir.
We have had temperatures in the mid-20’s for a week now. It warms up some during the day, but then freezes again at night. I didn’t think about or anticipate what we might see on our trip today. Most of the South Santiam River where we kayaked is shaded. In fact, this time of the year, it stays shaded on both sides of the river. Well, be prepared for what I’m about to show you!
ICE!!!!
Because the water level is so low right now compared to the warmer months, all of these rock sides are visible now. But, this is the very first time I have seen them all covered in ice and icicles. It was easily one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I know for many across the world, this is what’s expected on your winter kayaking adventures. However, I’ve never seen so much ice accumulation! It was easily, one of the coolest (literally – ha!) things I’ve ever seen while kayaking!
I particularly love this photo because it really captures today’s journey perfectly. The blue sky was so blue! The sunshine enabled some fantastic reflections upon the water’s surface. The evergreen trees are always so beautiful. And lastly, all of the cracks and crevices were covered in ice! We just couldn’t have asked for better conditions!
Now, I have kayaked this section many times before. And as I was driving out to the reservoir from home, I was trying to think of a way to talk about Foster Reservoir differently and with different photos. Mission accomplished!
I loved what I saw shown in these two images. The first one shows a plane of ice hanging perfectly between two rocks. The ice sheet wrapped itself around the twigs sticking upward, but otherwise there is nothing underneath it. I kept looking under the sheet of ice for something to be holding it upright, but there wasn’t anything. That, to me, is miraculous. It’s just so perfect.
The second photo shows the rows of ice upon the surface of the flatter shoreline rocks. The ice obviously melts a bit on the smooth level rock and then the moisture accumulates at the base before falling again below to the next row. It was really cool to look at. I was thinking if you could make a man/woman-made object such as this, that would be one way to keep folks off your front steps. LOL!
OK, just a couple more photos of the icicles!
These two photos are the same. The second photo is a zoomed in picture to show the length, and general size of the icicles. I was quite amazed. Most of them wouldn’t budge as they were really thick and strong. But, I was able to break one free and it was really fun to hold it and check it out. As I have already mentioned, I have never seen so many icicles! If you haven’t seen anything like this, there are still 2 more dry days – go check them out!
The water level was so low today that I couldn’t kayak up river as far as I have normally during the winter. The current was too strong and the water was too shallow. But, I definitely tried!
We turned around at this point and began our journey back to the boat ramp.
One of my favorite photos that I always take when I kayak here is of the vehicular bridge. I just think it’s one of the neatest looking bridges! And, as I mentioned earlier, the beautiful sunshine created some awesome mirror images upon the water.
As we passed under the bridge and began our return journey, it was so nice to get back into the sunshine. With all of the shade and ice, it felt very cold. I had to take another photo showing just how beautiful it is around Foster Reservoir. You can see the area covered in new grass. That only grows this time of the year. Once they fill the reservoir back up for the summer time, it will all be underwater again.
It didn’t take long before we returned to the boat dock. I turned myself around and captured a few photos. This area stays shady most of the winter and early spring.
I’m so glad my friend asked me to accompany her today. I had NO idea that there would be ice and so much of it!!! It was easily one of the best kayaking adventures I’ve ever taken! As I mentioned earlier, if you want to go check it out, there are just 2-3 more dry and cold days before the rain returns. And if you really don’t want to brave the cold water, you can see a lot of this from the roadways.
My specific journey today!
2025 – Kayak Trip #5
