In celebration of National Trails Day and as a part of the extensive water trails being planned in Clark County, Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation is hosting a Big Paddle event on Saturday June 2nd, along a section of Lake River in Ridgefield. This bring your own boat event is open to the public.
Here’s the day’s schedule: Arrive at the Port of Ridgefield boat launch before 9:00am to be directed to special event parking (fee waived! download your parking pass here).
Check in at the big tent for your boat assignment, sign & turn in your waiver, and meet your fellow paddlers. Displays will be set up in the tent about the water trail plan & partners.
• 9:30am: Meet at the big tent along Ridgefield’s waterfront for a welcome and brief orientation to the water trail plan, basic boating safety instructions and the details of the actual route and paddle experience.
• 10:00am Boats will launch from docks and shore. For the next 1.5-2 hours, you will be paddling along a 2.5-mile stretch of Lake River learning about some history, ecology and culture associated with local waterways.
What to bring & wear:
• Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, sandals/water shoes, clothing (layers) (avoid cotton fabrics)
• Dry set of clothes (leave in your car)
Privately-owned watercraft can join in the flotilla and be launched from either the Mill Street Boat Ramp or Division Street kayak launch sites.
Before and after the trip, refreshments will be available for purchase from the Lions Club concession tent located near the flagpole.
Directions: from I-5, take the Ridgefield exit, Rte 501 west –Pioneer Street into town. Turn right on Main Street, then left on Mill Street. Parking is thru the gate into McCuddy’s Marina on the left.
For more detailed information, contact Jean Akers at 360-487-8320.
Hope to see you on the water!
READ MORE ABOUT THE WATER TRAIL PLAN HERE.
