Rating: SKII

Distance: 6 NM

Date: March 4, 2000

Leader: Rhonda Schwab Participants: 8

Launch: 09:00 Return: 2:00

Weather: A real winter paddle. ~45F, drizzle, light breezes, overcast.

Description: Here’s a nice little fresh water trip to do in the winter. In the Tacoma Mountaineers we usually run this trip as a conservation trip (picking up trash along the edges of the lake) and it’s real easy to turn into a social event. We launched from a very low dock (you have to slide into your boat) at Erickson’s Boat Rentals where we also parked our cars. Folks there are real friendly and are most appreciative of the Mountaineer’s efforts at cleanup around the lake. Run the trip around the lake in any direction you choose. There’s are small island to paddle around and a picnic area along the lake just to the west of the island. Warning! The picnic area is ‘posted’. We just took our chances.

After the trip we headed for Orting and the "Park Bench" restaurant. Foods good, service a little slow, but it makes for a nice friendly get-together after the paddle.

Tides/Currents: None

Charts: You can play this one by ear.

Directions to Launch Site: From I-5 at Hwy 16 it takes about 45 minutes (30.8 miles). From I-5 at 16 go south on I-5 for about 5 miles to Exit 127 (512 East to Puallup). Turn left onto 512 at the light and go 8.5 miles to the exit for Hwy 161 North (Eatonville). Turn right onto hwy 161 and go 13 miles to Kapowsin Hwy and turn left. (it will become Orville Road). Go 4.3 miles until you see a sign on the right "Erickson’s Boat Rentals" and follow the drive down the hill. Park in the indicated area near the dock. Parking fee is $3.25 (per boat) for the day. There are bathrooms!

Facilities:

There are bathroom (pretty clean) at Erickson’s Boat Rental and a Port-a-Potty at the illegal picnic area.

Sample Magazine Submittal: Mar. 4 Sat. – Lake Kapowsin (SKII). 6 NM. Come and join in the fun, in the sun, on Lake Kapowsin. We will paddle a little, clean up the shore a little, stop and eat a little, and have lots of fun. Bring your trash bags and lunch.