sailing on the Columbia river? St Helens area...

[centerline]

I am interested in learning a bit about sailing on the columbia river. I have only sailed on lakes but I have powerboated the rivers for years so I know there are currents, but i dont know how much they effect the sailing process.
is there anyone in the St helens area that could give me a few pointers about that stretch of river?.. we want to spent the last 5 days of the month (september) there.

where is a good sailboat friendly boat ramp?....
are there any good anchorages in the area?....
is there any moorages available for a weekender?....
what are the dangers in that area?....
are there any good sites that are a "must see" while we are there?.....

thank you....

 

[salishmermaid]

Kalama Marina

The Kalama boat ramp and Marina may be a good option.

A popular anchorage is just south of Kalama, see attached images.

 

[sinnettc]

Hey bud. We sailed Verboten in the Sail for the Cure Regatta in Portland a few years ago. It was definitely not Fern Ridge! My guess is the current was running at about 2 knots. We made really good headway down river but we crawled upriver. The tide has an effect too, and I think it runs faster as the tide goes out.

I've seen boats anchored in that area ahppycmpr posted on the right a lot of times. Strikes me as a great spot that's well protected. On the chart it looks like the south (upriver) entrance silts up so probably approach from the north.

Let me know how it goes, that's a cruise I've thought about doing one of these days.

 

[centerline]

Hey bud. We sailed Verboten in the Sail for the Cure Regatta in Portland a few years ago. It was definitely not Fern Ridge! My guess is the current was running at about 2 knots. We made really good headway down river but we crawled upriver. The tide has an effect too, and I think it runs faster as the tide goes out.

I've seen boats anchored in that area ahppycmpr posted on the right a lot of times. Strikes me as a great spot that's well protected. On the chart it looks like the south (upriver) entrance silts up so probably approach from the north.

Let me know how it goes, that's a cruise I've thought about doing one of these days.

Hi Chris... the anchorage that is spoken of is a great spot to relax. ive been in there in a powerboat but never hung around.... I dont remember exactly where its at from the river side, but I know where it is from the freeway a fat lot of good that does me cuz my layline to get in there wont include any freeway passage.
Rochelle's dad lives in st helens and he is an old retired powerboater so she wants to get him on the sailboat to show him what he has missed the last 75 years.... and I would like the experience to be good for all of us....
I do know the tide and current is a factor and that most folks beat upriver until its time to return....cuz its a quicker, more dependable trip timewise when coming down current..... as long as the wind is coming from the right direction...
I havent been on the river in that area since '92..... and it doesnt really make any difference how much it has changed since, cuz i cant remember how it was then anyway, but I would like to get some info on what to expect now.... i am thinking of hauling the boat out of its current location on the 15th or 16th..... til next season. still mulling it over....

 

[sinnettc]

Hey Lou,

I'm keeping Verboten in as long as I can. I figure I can get in 6-7 more afternoons on the lake, then out on the 29th. We've got stuff the next 2 Saturdays so it'll be Sundays & Tuesday Beer Cans until then.