#13 - Willamette River - Social Security up and back.

 



Labor Day Afternoon was gorgeous, and our last day before returning to school called for a late kayak trip. The Social Security Hole put in is a small park at the end of Halls Ferry Road in Independence, so a short drive for us. The river view is beautiful, but there is no boat ramp here. The water has been low, and is far below the stairs that are there. We used a small cut in the bank to take in and out. It was doable, even with our heavy pedal kayaks. There is a bathroom as well.



We headed upriver since we didn't have a shuttle, hoping to get to the Riverfront park in Independence. The current was pretty strong, and it was slow going. Not many others on the river at this time or place. We just started pedaling to make some distance.








It wasn't too bad against the current, although we did get a good workout. There were some other obstacles, though. In order to escape the main current, we tried to take a shortcut, and had some rocks to deal with. We did find a nice swimming hole where we took a break and cooled off.





We did make it almost to the sports fields below Riverfront park before we turned around. The float downriver was peaceful and calm. Perfect temperature and quiet. 

We will have to make more of an effort to get a shuttle plan for floating the Willamette, since it is close and worth the float. I do recommend this stretch of river, but a shuttle would be a lot easier, putting in maybe Buena Vista and float to Wallace Marine if you have the time. Bring a picnic!


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