!PPSG! PEEPS PADDLE SPARKS LAKE! Intermediate to Experienced only

INTERMEDIATE TO EXPERIENCED PADDLERS ONLY.
We start early to beat the heat, the crowds and the bugs.
NW PARK PASS NEEDED.
The road into Sparks is awful but it's a beautiful paddle and doing it early in the summer the water is high and this makes for a very interesting scenery.

LAUNCH IS 9:00 AM SHARP. MEET IN PARKING LOT OR AT THE RAMP. BRING SNACKS, WATER, BUG SPRAY, SUNTAN LOTION, KAYAKING NECESSITIES, LIFE JACKET, PROPER BOAT REGISTRATION

The lake was formed about 10,000 years ago when lavas from the Mt. Bachelor Volcanic Chain blocked the upper Deschutes River. Sparks Lake is a large, shallow, trout lake located on the northwest edge of Mount Bachelor, and is the first of the high lakes you see from the Cascade Lakes Highway west of Bend. The views of South Sister, Mount Bachelor, and Broken Top are breathtaking. Prior to 1997, Sparks Lake was a brook trout fishery and, although brookies may still be available, the lake's featured species will be introduced cutthroat trout.
Caution: Move cautiously in the meadow's tall grass to avoid narrow, concealed water channels. Cold water and deep holes in these "beaver highways" can make for a frigid or injurious plunge. Mosquitoes and biting flies are abundant in early summer, so bring repellant.This site includes a boat launch, picniciking area, and the Sparks Lake Trail around part of Sparks Lake. There are boat-in camping opportunities at dispersed sites. The paved interpretive Ray Atkeson Loop Trail can be accessed from this site.
There is a 10 mph speed limit on Sparks Lake. Motorized and non-motorized boats are allowed.
Recreation Fee Site: Parking at this site requires payment/recreation pass. Passes are available at this site, but can also be purchased from Forest Service offices or vendors. Please check here for more information about recreation passes and where they can be purchased.
HOST:
MARY RICCI

ATTENDING EVENTS
Please read the entire event description before signing up and only sign-up for events within your capabilities. If you RSVP and can't make it...UNRSVP!
All events have an attendee limit. Attendee limits are determined by the nature of the event and the number of Event Hosts attending an event.
Events fill-up quickly. Members are encouraged to download the Meetup app to receive notifications for events as soon as they are posted.
When an event is full (reached its attendee limit), you may be assigned to the Waitlist. If spots open up, members are automatically RSVPed to the event in the order that they joined the Waitlist. Please be patient if you’re on the Waitlist. It's common for the head count to fall as an event gets closer, and most likely you will be RSVPed.

### Liability Waiver for Outdoor Activities

1. Assumption of Risk The Participant understands that participating in any PPSG activity involves certain inherent risks, including but not limited to: unpredictable weather conditions, uneven terrain, physical exertion, and potential contact with plants or wildlife. By signing below, the Participant voluntarily assumes all risks associated with these activities.
2. Release and Waiver of Liability The Participant hereby releases, waives, and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any and all liability, claims, and demands of whatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity, which arise or may hereafter arise from the Participant’s involvement in the aforementioned activities.
3. Medical Treatment The Participant hereby releases and forever discharges the Volunteer Organizer from any claim whatsoever which arises or may hereafter arise on account of any first aid, treatment, or service rendered in connection with the Participant's involvement in the activities.
4. Volunteer Status of Organizer The Participant acknowledges that the Organizer is acting as a non-compensated volunteer and is not providing professional guiding services, medical expertise, or commercial transport.
5. Indemnification The Participant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Volunteer Organizer from any loss, liability, damage, or cost they may incur due to the Participant’s presence at or participation in the activities, whether caused by the negligence of the Organizer or otherwise.