S2.12 Wallace Marine Park to Keizer Rapids

 Our intention was to put in at Wallace Marine Park in downtown Salem, and float to Spong's Landing in Keizer. However, when we went to drop off our car, it was apparent that there is not a boat ramp at Spong's Landing. You could carry lighter kayak's down to the river, but it's a long haul for heavier craft. So, instead we dropped the car off at Keizer Rapids, and headed back to Wallace to launch. The boat ramp is very nice here, with a small dock and plenty of parking. The only bathroom near the ramp, however, is a nasty port a potty.


While Wallace is smack dab in the middle of Salem (okay, more to the West, but close...) it doesn't take long to get away from busy road noise. There weren't too many people on the river, probably because we put in pretty late in the afternoon, almost 4pm. 





There was quite a bit of wildlife, including this heron which took flight when we got too close. We saw several heron, jumping fish, ducks, and hawks.





But the scenery is always the best thing. Passively floating downriver allows lots of time to what's around you. I'm amazed and grateful for how much of the Willamette river is still wild and undeveloped. 









The sun was getting low as we got close to Keizer Rapids. The temperature was perfect, with little wind. The float took about an hour and a half, although we still needed to do our shuttling. It's pretty easy driving to get from Wallace to Keizer Rapids, and we managed to get finished before dark.

Keizer Rapids Park is very nice. The boat ramp area is away from the rest of the park, has a bathroom and plenty of parking. 


We did get a nice sunset picture when I came back with the truck to load the kayaks. A nice, quick float with beautiful scenery, I recommend this when you don't have much time to spare. Just use the bathroom before you get to Wallace.







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