Rogers Landing/Ash Island

Today marked my third day kayaking in the same week. The last time I was able to do that was last summer. I’m so glad the weather is changing! Rain returns tomorrow, but the sheer joy of my kayaking adventures will hold me until I can get out again. Today’s great adventure began at Rogers Landing.

This park is located in Yamhill County along the wonderful Willamette River. It is situated on the east side of Newberg and is well marked and easy to find. They have a three-lane boat ramp and a ton of available parking.

Beware: This is a very busy locale during the summer months. There are a lot of boats and water skiers’ who play on the water here. Today’s empty parking lot will be full this summer. Please be aware of the various boats who don’t always watch for kayakers.

Our plan today was to turn right off the boat ramp, paddling against the current and upriver. This section of the Willamette River is called the Newberg Pool. This area is a very popular area on the Willamette River (River Mile 26.6 to 55) because the river is deep and calm, which is ideal for motorboating and towed watersports.

Therefore, you can easily paddle along this busy section of the Willamette River. Just stay along the shore lines and you’ll be fine. If the sudden water movement and waves caused by the speeding boats intimidate you, try not to be. Just lift your paddle out of the water and let your kayak rise and fall. You will NOT capsize!!!

The weather was absolutely perfect today! Our temperature was in the high 50’s, there was no wind, and as I mentioned before, no boats. It just couldn’t get any better! The only noise that did interfere a bit were the airplanes flying overhead. I’m assuming this is a common flight trail to Salem or somewhere else nearby. But, like most everything else in life, after awhile you just get used to it. Personally, I waved to each and every one of them. Ha!

We kayaked upriver towards Ash Island. But, just before that point, we turned right (north) into Chehalem Creek. I had never been here before and it was really neat. It was so wooded and full of foliage. I can’t wait to go back once everything has started growing again.

Very high in the tree lines, we could see Heron nests. We counted six or seven Heron sitting in their nests. I looked online to see when they reproduce – now! They nest between March and May. I can’t wait to see the babes when they are born. I was equally thrilled to see the bright green new foliage growing. Spring is definitely nearing! I just love Oregon’s greenery and it will be nice when it all returns again. We were hoping to travel a lot further up Chehalem Creek, but we came across two very large logs laying across the water line.

PS – A very able and willing kayaker needs to take their chainsaw up the creek and cut a spot wide enough so everyone can get their kayaks through. Hint! Hint!

So, unfortunately, we had to turn around at this spot. There was so much to look at on the way back out to the Willamette River. One of the things I’ve realized kayaking this winter, my first, is just how pretty different things look when you take the time to notice. Yes, I miss the greenery. However, looking at all of mother nature’s impressive displays just puts me in a constant state of awe!

Upon meeting up, once again, with the Willamette River, we continued our southward journey against the current. The current was noticeable, but we just stayed along the shoreline and everyone did very well. We paddled along the north side of Ash Island. While the water was wider and deeper than you typically see during the summer time, this is definitely the preference for kayakers as the water gets shallow with too many objects in the water to make it safe for boaters most of the year. So, stay on the right side of Ash Island (paddling upriver).

One of the cool features we saw were these old wooden remnants near the shore related to past logging activities. Maybe someone has an old picture showing them in use, that would be cool! If so, please share!

We paddled along the left shoreline and it was fun to see all of the sights which showed just how high the water level was not that long ago.

There were piles of dead grass laying in spots which had obviously been moved by a faster current, but my favorite were the bushes along the shoreline. They were covered with water debris. I thought they were very interesting looking. The water had easily been at least 6 ft higher in that spot.

We then came across an interesting looking building.

This building is located on Ash Island. Most of the debris along the outside was brought from winter storm water. I haven’t been able to find any specific knowledge about this structure. But, my guess is that it’s used to watch animals, maybe for duck hunting. I have no idea. If anyone knows the story behind this building, let me know in the comments.

And then, like my previous posts, I have to share the signs of spring and new growth. I can’t wait to return in a month or so to see how everything has grown! Very exciting! I especially liked the above pictured log posts sticking out of the water. You see, I think they look like a family. Dad is on the left, baby in the middle, and mom is on the right with her arms reaching out to the baby. Kind of funny! But, as I mentioned before, when we are waiting for Oregon’s beautiful greenery to return, it’s amazing what you can see in its absence! Ha!

After approximately a couple of miles from Rogers Landing, we reached the main section of the Willamette River. It was just so gorgeous! And of course, our views were accented by the beautiful sunshine we enjoyed throughout our paddling experience.

We made a sharp turn to the left and traveled back down the river to Rogers Landing. I’m telling you what, the weather was absolutely perfect for our journey! Just one last photo showing a panoramic view from the south end of Ash Island looking across the water of the beautiful Willamette River!

As always, our trip was fantastic! I hope you will find the opportunity to go enjoy the river!

2024 – Kayak Trip #11