Unable to sleep last night, I embarked on a very early (for me) trip. Today’s kayaking adventure led me to Estacada Lake. Now, I’ve kayaked there many times before. However, this time is the earliest in the year I have made my journey. Let me tell you, it was FANTASTIC! The weather was overcast and a little chilly, but the scenery made up for all of that and so much more!
For those who haven’t traveled to this location, it is a beautiful scenic road journey. From I-205, you will turn on to OR-213 (Gladstone) and then S. Redland Rd. which will take you to Milo McIver State Park. As you traverse through the park, stay to the right all the way down to the lake. Heads up – there is a $10 parking fee payable by visa/debit card at a kiosk as you enter the park.
Estacada Lake, in my mind, isn’t really a “lake” at all. It’s a stretch of the Clackamas River located between two dams. It’s fairly narrow and is approximately 2.5 miles long (eastward). Many folks only traverse as far as the iconic bridge, but there’s so much more to see if you keep going.
One of the best parts about using the boat ramp at Milo McIver State Park is the kayak launch. Oh yes, I wore socks and my athletic shoes today! No part of me got wet. Yay!
It’s a beautiful view from the launch pad/dock as shown in the first picture. But, it was even more beautiful because I was the ONLY one there! Keep in mind that during the summer months, you’re lucky if you can find anyplace to park. Yes, it gets that busy!
As I began my adventure, I was so much in awe of just how beautiful it was along the shorelines. As I mentioned before, this is the earliest in the year I have been to Estacada Lake and the colors of all the foliage were absolutely magical!
The trees were practically neon with new bright green leaves. All along the lake, the view was just breathtaking! (I must have taken 50 photos total and now I have to figure out which ones to share – sigh!)
Now Spring didn’t officially begin until March 20th. However, I was still surprised to see how many plants and flowers were blooming.
Despite the clouds and cooler temperature, as I gazed upon all of this color, I felt like it was much closer to summertime.
Now, no visit to Estacada Lake is complete until you’ve made it to the “falls.” The water comes down into the lake all year, but there was quite a bit of it today. There is a great shoreline, though small, for those who want to exit their kayaks and take it all in.
One of the best parts about kayaking here is the vast amount of foliage. As you get closer to the bridge, of which you will kayak underneath, you will see a ton of Ivy that is growing down from atop the rocky shoreline. It is very impressive.
I’m not very good at guessing distance. But, what I will say is, “Oh my!” That is a long way down to the water!
The other remarkable growth is all of the varying vegetation growing in the cracks and crevices of the rocks!
And the Ferns? Holy Smokes! In all of my previous visits to Estacada Lake, I have never seen so many ferns growing – everywhere! I’m guessing the cooler weather has a lot to do with it. They were spectacular!
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I want to share a bit of history here. The shorelines, on the eastward end of the lake, were scarred deeply in September 2020 by a wildfire named Riverside Fire. That fire consumed nearly 132,000 acres of land. Nearly the entire city of Estacada experienced evacuation orders. It was very devastating. In the end, it was a group of ambitious and courageous citizens who helped keep the fire at bay. (There is a lot of controversy over this subject and you can read about it here.)
Now, you will understand my excitement regarding the next group of photos.
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My first visit to Estacada Lake was about 3 years ago. It had only been a couple of years since the wildfire and a large area along the lake was very vacant and scarred. But, today’s visit? Totally different picture – literally!
These photos taken today show some of the damage caused by the fire.
But, this entire area that was so badly charred? It is now GREEN! There is more new growth every year and today it was so wonderful to see! A very different view from years past.
GREEN! GREEN! GREEN!
It was around this area of the lake that I encountered two friendly geese. Well – I’d like to think they were having a nice conversation with me, but maybe not. Ha!
They continued their conversation until I was out of view and then they were silent. Hm?
The Canadian Geese were just one water fowl I saw today. There were mallard ducks and a bunch of other friendly birds/ducks “talking” to me along my journey. However, they were all camera shy.
On all of my prior visits to Estacada Lake, I’ve always kayaked all the way up to the dam and around the corner. Not today! There was quite a bit of water rushing down the river creating too much current for me to successfully paddle against. I was able to hide behind this rock and take a photo. This is the end of the journey before having to turn around and head back.
(I know the water looks “calm.” Nope! It was really moving here!)
During the drier months, you can easily kayak up to the rocky shoreline shown in the photo and it’s a great place to stop, rest, eat lunch, read a book or whatever you want to do. In year’s past, I’ve stood there and watched some of the biggest fish swimming in the clear water!
I took a lot of videos that I was going to share, but have decided not to. If you cruise though my prior Estacada Lake posts, you will find them shared.
Today’s kayaking adventure was absolutely fantastic! It is always so invigorating and yet relaxing to be out in the fresh air on the water! This is my favorite photo from today’s journey!
Don’t wait until summer to embark upon this journey. If you use the kayak launch pad and dress warmly, you will have a tremendous experience – guaranteed!
2025 – Kayak Trip #9
