Tier 3: Camping and Paddling on Lake Simtustus!

Time to explore a new spot: Lake Simtustus! Located near Madras, Pelton Park is a vacationer's paradise where you can boat, camp, fish, swim, view wildlife & relax. Pelton Park Store & Marina offers groceries, ice, fishing tackle, motor boat rental, & a café.

The lake has a small water-skiing area, but most of the lake has a speed limit of 10 miles per hour, making it ideal for fishing & paddling. There's a 2mile hiking trail along the ridgeline above the park, with views of the lake & mountains,
At the Pelton Wildlife Overlook, just north of Pelton Park, you can view ducks, geese, great blue herons, shorebirds, eagles, & other raptors. Short trails lead to viewing platforms overlooking the reservoir. There is a swimming area, so bring bathing suit.
*Note there may not be cell service at the campground, pets are allowed at all sites on leash & not allowed in swim area (lmk if bringing a dog), &, one participant may bring his 12 year old son.

Address: 3300 Pelton Dam Road Madras, OR 97741. We recommend accessing Pelton Park from the north, via Highway 26.
From Highway 26, about two miles south of Warm Springs, look for Pelton Dam Road. Follow signs on Pelton Dam Road for 3.5 miles to Pelton Park.

I have booked sites for *Fri & Sat*. Extra tents are allowed on tent pads, so sharing fits more people - please be flexible. A few people are going up Thurs instead - if anyone else wants to add Thurs, lmk.. we have room. I believe we can fit 2 regular tents on each pad, so a total of 16 people. If you prefer to book your own site, please go online to do so & let me know.
A20 (has two tent pads, both 12'x14' - 1 car included & 6 people)
A18 (tent pad is 10'x10' - 1 car included)
A27 (mult sites, 2cars, & 12 people)

ATTENDEES: This is a Tier 3 event, which is meant for experienced kayakers with a solid history of attending events. Everyone goes on the waitlist & the organizer will evaluate each person's abilities before contacting them to secure payment & then move them to going. Please only sign up if you are serious about going & keep your RSVP updated if something changes.

COST: I'm estimating that your cost for both nights total is 26. One car allowed per site. If an extra car fits at site, there is a 10/day charge from park. If extra cars go to overflow, there is no charge.

PAYMENT: ***Important: When I'm ready to move you to going, I will contact you with payment details. Once you send **payment** (please be prompt as I'm holding spot for you), I will move you to going.
Payment to me via venmo @tanja-diers (I also have paypal - or arrange other payment method). If needed, the last 4 digits of my phone are 6651. I've already paid for sites: confirmation #12313086 & #12313718.
Payment will be $26 total.

CANCELLATIONS: Please lmk if plans change - please be courteous, as there is usually a wait list. I will refund if someone else takes your spot.

FLEXIBLE SCHEDULE:
--Friday: Check in time starts at 4PM. We may swim, do a short hike, or explore area
--Saturday: Wake up, have breakfast, head to the boat ramp, and hit the water in our kayaks! We will be getting some amazing views! Maybe do a short hike after.
--Sunday: We pack the cars & check out before 12PM. Hopefully we can do some more swimming or a hike. Feel free to leave anytime you're ready, but please pack out what you packed in, including trash.

CAMPING/PADDLING:
-Please pack everything you would need for a multi-day camping trip. Please remember to pack clothes and a sleeping setup based on the weather & bring a headlamp!
-There is a toilet, shower, fire ring, picnic table, swim area, store
-Firewood should be available for purchase or bring some.
-The paddle on Saturday will be multiple hours, please plan to bring enough hydration & sunscreen to keep yourself safe. Also don’t forget your PFD & whistle.

DISCLAIMER: Meetup leaders are unpaid volunteers & claim no special expertise or knowledge. By attending this meetup, you agree that you are responsible for your own health, safety, & decision making & 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, & decision-making.