Tier 3: Kayak Camping at Albert Philippi Park

Please note that this is an adults-only event.

LOCATION:
Albert Philippi Park was established in 1972 to provide facilities and recreation opportunities to boaters on the John Day River. Each year, 13,000 visitors dock at this boat-in park to cast a line, grill lunch, set up camp, take a swim, or just relax with friends and family.

We will be overnight parking and launching at Le Page Park; the drive is about 2 hours from Portland. The fee to overnight park at Le Page is $5 per day. Everyone needs to pay for their own vehicle, cash or card.

Please follow this google link to find LePage Park:
LePage Park

And here is the google location of Albert Philippi:
Albert Philippi

For more info and photos:
Opal Foundation

Join us as we explore this interesting boat-access-only camping location!

ATTENDEES:
This is a Tier 3 event, which is meant for experienced kayakers with dependable equipment and 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. Please only sign up if you are serious about going, and keep your RSVP updated if something changes. If you want to bring a non-member guest, please contact the organizer.

NO-SHOWS and LAST MINUTE CANCELATIONS:
If you do this, make sure to provide a very good explanation to the organizer, otherwise you risk being banned from future camping events.

SCHEDULE:
Friday, July 11th: We will meet in the parking lot at 3:00PM, hitting the water with fully loaded boats at 3:30PM. Should be a fun paddle to the campsite. Be prepped for potential wind! We will land at the boat dock, unload our gear, find first come-first serve spots for all of us, and then set up camp!

Saturday, July 12th: Weather should be warm! There will be swimming, card games, yard games, possibly fishing (you need a license if you plan to fish). We might try a paddle further up the river and see what we find! In 2022 we had water skiing, wake boarding, and other powerboat festivities. This is a possibility if Michael attends and brings Nauti Buoy.

Sunday, July 13th: We are going to be hitting the water when everyone is ready, probably right after lunch, but this is subject to change. Others are free to head back early if they need to. Paddle back, unload, and hit the road! We might continue our annual tradition and stop for a meal and a refreshing pint at The Rivertap in The Dalles.

CAMPING INFO:
-Please pack everything you would need for a weekend camping trip. REI has a good list on their website: REI Camping List
-You won't necessarily need everything on this list, but it is a good place to start. You will need to waterproof your gear for the paddle, there are drybag options at outdoor stores, but trash bags also work pretty well. Please remember to pack clothing and a sleeping setup specifically based on the weather for the trip!! And bring a headlamp!

-There will be bathrooms, picnic tables, warm showers, potable water, and they even sell ice! There will also be a camp host on site. No fires allowed because of the surrounding desert climate. We might try to bring a safe propane firepit. Highly suggested to bring cash to donate (or online here Donate) to keep this amazing campsite open and maintained.

-With our trip happening during summer, please bring anything you need to prevent dehydration, bug bites, and sunburns.

-For the paddle, please remember your PFD, whistle, and easily accessible water. (and your actual watercraft/paddle, too)

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns, and if you need to borrow any camping/kayaking equipment.

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.