After waiting for awhile this morning to watch how the weather was going to fare, I finally decided it was nice enough! Of course, it’s always nice enough to kayak! However, I really wanted to get out in the warm and sunny weather and that’s exactly what I enjoyed! It was heavenly and just what I needed!
My journey today began at Michael’s Landing in Corvallis. If you look up information for this location, there isn’t much to offer. Having lived in this area for over 30 years, I already knew what to expect. But, let me share a bit.
First and foremost, it’s a “day” use area only. Vehicles are supposed to be removed no later than 10pm. In addition, in all the years I have lived in this area, this location has never been great. Most times there are a number of homeless folks and others who are living in their vehicles (as was the case today). In addition, there is no restroom or water available. If none of that bothers you, then it’s a great place to launch. You can drive your vehicle down to the water’s edge to load and unload. But, don’t leave your vehicle parked in that location. Drive back up to the top or even outside of the gates.
OK, let’s proceed with today’s kayaking adventure.
The two pictures above show photos of the river from Michael’s Landing. The first one is looking north and the second one is looking south and the construction of the new multi-lane vehicle bridge over the river. As you can see from the pictures, it was absolutely gorgeous outside and I was plenty warm.
The river was magnificent today. The current has already slowed down a lot and this is an easy paddle or float for beginner to advanced. In fact, when I first headed out on my journey, I didn’t see anyone. But, it didn’t take long before I began to “catch up” with others. I’m a strong paddler and don’t tire very easily, so I normally catch up and pass others, which was true today.
One of my first encounters was a gentleman on a jet-ski. He asked me how far Corvallis was and I let him know. It wasn’t too much longer before I came across two other folks each riding their own jet ski. Turned out that one of their scooters had stopped running. They asked if I had any rope. A matter of fact – I did! I always have mine attached to my kayak so I can use it to tie down or to lead my kayak around obstacles, etc. Anyway, I gave him my rope and wished them luck!
As my journey continued, I think I passed at least 6-8 folks riding in a variety of water craft. In addition, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol boat and staff came up to me for a visit as well. They always wants to know, 1. what’s your plan/where are you headed, 2. do you have a waterway permit, 3. do you have a whistle. My answer is always – YES I DO!!!
I digress!
One of the first things I noticed along the river was all of the vegetation. I don’t mean, were there plants. I mean I couldn’t believe just how green everything was throughout my adventure.
I’ve never been on this section of the Willamette River this early in the season and it was truly spectacular. The plants and grass were nearly neon green. Of course, the reflections on the water were also magnificent. It was so great to not see anything brown and dying as I saw last year late in the summer. This is just one of the many reasons I love living in Oregon!
One of my favorite sights along this section of the river is based on my Alma Mater. Go Beavers!
I don’t have any idea who is responsible for this sign and/or who maintains it, but I LOVE it! If anyone reading my post knows the answer, please let me know. I would like to volunteer my time to help give it a new coat of paint! Every time I pass by here, I just get the biggest smile on my face! Go Beavers!
There were several places on the river’s edge that consisted of only rocks. And just like other trips, I kayak up to the edge so I can look for any agates. Guess what? Found one! It’s always so much fun to look for one. I wanted to get out and look for more agates, but the water level is still a bit too high. By the end of June there should be lots of places to look.
The second photo I took was of a beautiful flower. It looks sort of like a budding Rose, but it isn’t. It’s growing on a big bush type of plant. I have no idea what it is but I’ll have to go back in a month or so and see just how many are blooming.
One of the aspects that I really love about this section of the Willamette River is just how many twists and turns there are all the way to Albany. You’ll look ahead in the distance and it looks like the river comes to an end, but that’s only because it takes a hard right or left direction.
I especially love that fact because it makes the journey more exciting. You just never know what you might see as you go around a bend. Today, after such an experience, I noticed a Bald Eagle flying above and heading over to the left of me. Suddenly, he dove down into the water to get his lunch. It was so cool to watch so closely. That was a first for me. I saw another 4-5 Eagles today as well, including one sitting in a nest.
Another part of today’s journey that I found both fascinating and fun to watch were the clouds. They weren’t really clouds, per se. They were wispy and heading in all different directions. I thought they were beautiful!
When I’m kayaking, one of the photo opportunities I’m always watching for are the mileage marker signs produced and governed by Willamette Greenway. In case you don’t know, these signs offer two points of interest. First, they indicate the significance of the spot in which they are located, as you can see below. And secondly, they are mileage markers to let you know where you are located on the Willamette River. Willamette Greenway also publishes a map/book which goes along with the mileage markers. I highly recommend getting one! It shows you exactly where you are on the river, mileage, parks, boat ramps, warning of obstacles and lots of helpful advice written by kayak professionals.
When you’re kayaking this section of the Willamette River, you know what to watch for – the bridge!
This is the Hwy 20 bridge that crosses over the river into Albany. Today’s ending spot was Bryant Park, so after taking this picture, I turned hard to the right and headed for shore as I had reached my destination.
Today’s kayaking adventure was fantastic. Not only did I need to get out on the water and in the sunshine, but everything was so beautiful. It truly was a relaxing and rejuvenating experience! I hope you are able to enjoy this trek some time soon!!!
2024 – Kayak Trip #23
