Tier 3: Camping and Paddling at Cove Palisades State Park (Lake Billy Chinook)

Please note that this is an adults-only event.

Time to paddle around Lake Billy Chinook/Deschutes River/Crooked River and camp in The Cove Palisades State Park. Read more about the area in this article.
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LOCATION:
IMPORTANT: There is no cell service at the campground. Make sure to look at directions before you start going down the hill. We will be camping in Cove Palisades State Park in the Deschutes Campground! The drive is a little under 3 hours from Portland. We have three tent sites reserved and paid for next to each other in loop B (exact site numbers will be communicated prior to the event). Depending on the total number of people signed up, we will have 2-4 people sharing each site. Please note that campers or camping trailers are not allowed in the tent sites, so if you want to bring a camper, you will have to make your own reservations.
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ATTENDEES:
This is a Tier 3 event, which is meant for experienced kayakers over 21 years of age with a solid history of attending events with our group. Everyone goes on the waitlist to start with, and the organizer will evaluate each person's kayaking abilities before moving them to the going list. We are limiting the total number at the 3 reserved sites to 12. If you are bringing a camper and making your own reservations, please message the organizer. Please only sign up if you are serious about going, and keep your RSVP updated if something changes. If you would like to bring a non-member guest (+1), please contact the organizer.

COST:
If we get all 12 people, each person's share of the camping cost will be $16 for the 2 nights, payable to Martin. First vehicle at each site is free; there will be a $7 daily parking charge for a second vehicle, payable to the park. We encourage carpooling to avoid the extra parking fee; please arrange among yourselves. Any cars beyond the 2 allowed at each site will have to park in overflow parking.

PAYMENT:
Please pay only if you are on the going list. Do NOT pay if you are on the waitlist.

• Venmo to @Martin-Simer (if it asks for last 4 digits of phone number, use 7262). Do NOT mark the payment as 'goods and services'.
• PayPal to martinsimer@gmail.com (please use a bank account or PayPal balance; if you use a credit card, it will subtract a fee from what I receive)
• Cash if you see me at another event
  Refunds will be issued up to 2 weeks prior to the event, so 4PM on July 18. Sorry, no refunds after that time.

SCHEDULE:
Friday: Check in time starts at 4PM on Friday, August 1st. Set up camp. Socialize.

Saturday: Wake up early, have breakfast, head to the boat ramp, and hit the water! We will be getting some amazing views of towering cliffs and beautiful wildlife! Pack a lunch to eat somewhere on the shore. There will be a bonfire and more socializing in the evening.

Sunday: If you’re an early-bird, please join us on a morning hiking trip near the campsite! Then we pack the cars and check out at 1PM. Feel free to leave anytime you're ready on Sunday, but please leave no trace and pack out what you packed in, including trash.

CAMPING/PADDLING:
-Make sure to have a Waterway Access Permit if your vessel is 10' or more (FAQ) We had our permits checked by the rangers at this location in the past.

-Please pack everything you would need for a multi-day camping trip. REI has a good list on their website. Camping list You won't necessarily need everything on this list, but it is a good place to start. Please remember to pack clothes and a sleeping setup based on the weather and bring a headlamp!

-There is access to a toilet, shower, and extra parking for additional vehicles. There will be a fire ring, a picnic table, and access to water nearby.

-Firewood should be available for purchase at the campground.

-The paddle on Saturday will be multiple hours, please plan to bring enough hydration and sunscreen (or sun protective clothing) to keep yourself safe on the water. Also don’t forget your PFD and whistle (and your actual watercraft too).

DISCLAIMER:
Meetup leaders are unpaid volunteers and claim no special expertise or knowledge. By attending this meetup, you agree that you are responsible for your own health, safety, and decision making and that the organizer(s)/host(s) will not be held liable for any injury or health issue you sustain while in attendance. We will participate as a group but ultimately YOU are responsible for your own experience, safety, and decision-making.