crossing above Megler bridge

[Zippy]

Is there a safe route to cross from Washington to Oregon above the Astoria-Megler bridge in order to get back to Hammond or Warrenton? The trip back down the Estuary yesterday afternoon was not a fun time. Four foot wind waves at very close intervals had my full attention for a very long time as I made way back to the Hammond Boat basin.Pucker Factor in full effect. Running up to Tongue point and then comming down on the shipping lane side if it can be done wood have been alot calmer ride I think.

[Hookset]

Not really, the shipping channel in front of Astoria can get downright ugly. It all depends on wind direction, in the afternoon that usually means out of the Northwest, which means the shipping channel on the Oregon side could be just as bad or worse. When it gets rough up there, it's usually rough all over.

There are places to cross from Washington to Oregon above the bridge, it all depends on the tides. At high slack, you can cross just about anywhere. There are pilings that mark sand bars up there, but it's to hard to explain. Instead what you need is a chart for the lower Columbia. Next time your up there, stop at Englund Marine and pick up a laminated chart, study the bottom contours and navigation buoys/channel markers.

Instead of having to fight rough condtions like you did, don't bite off more then you'd like to chew. In other words, don't travel so far from the boat landing if you know the weather and water is going to get rough. You should time your travels to be back near the boat ramp when the weather and water turns for the worse. There's a lot of near misses down there every year because people underestimate the magnitude of this large body of water and how quickly conditions change.

On the lower Columbia, you can never have to much boat or to much power, the bigger the better.

The lower Columbia can be a no person zone just like the Ocean, you have to plan accordiningly,

best of luck next trip,

Gregg

[ 08-22-2003, 11:09 AM: Message edited by: Hookset ]

[Zippy]

Hookset, thanks for the reply. I will get a chart.And yeah,I will probably opt for the Green can line next time conditions warrant a change of plans.Closer to home for sure.Zippy

[love2fish]

Zippy, You can launch at Deep River and fish either above or below the bridge. You would then have that Northwest wind at your back when you returned in the afternoon.

love2fish