| Description:
Everyone who has ever done the Jordan Creek
(Mile 18) to 12 Mile Run on the Wilson has passed through the
stunning group of ledges a half mile down stream of the Narrows
(Mile 13.5), known as Fish Ladder Falls or The Playground. These
ledges often present some epic catch on the fly surfing
opportunities. All this candy sweet play right in the middle of the
river camouflages another one of the Wilson's quality play spots.
Located on the river-right side is a ledge in
the playground that has eddy service. The ledge produces and that is
a lot of fun to play in at the right levels and one that is two
often over looked by paddlers doing the play run. |
| Eddy Service:
The eddy for this hole is rather thin. It is
easy to miss and if you do miss it don't pause try and grab a micro
eddy downstream so that you can walk your boat back up to the hole
instead of heading downstream through the rapid and to the 12 mile
bridge. |
| Water Levels:
7 feet to 9.25 feet: These
are the water levels that hole and eddy work together. Around 8.5
feet the hole seems to be at its best.
|
| Gauge:
Wilson River at Tillamook, OR.
Be aware that river levels on the Wilson change quickly watch
especially for big spikes during periods of heavy rain. |
| Season:
Rainy Season, October to May
during or after periods of heavy rain |
| Difficulty:
Only expert paddlers will be able to both
enjoy the hole and make the eddy on a regular basis. |
| Driving Directions:
Do the run from Jordan Creek (mile 18) to the
12 Mile Bridge and always remember to scout the Narrow (mile 14).
More industrious or masochistic paddlers may
chose to put-in at a turn-out around mile 13.5 on Highway 6 near a
fish ladder. The scramble down the river here is challenging when
carrying a boat and even more challenging when you are tired after
session at the hole. |
| Closest Town: Tillamook, OR |
| Closest Services:
If you need gas,
food or anything else Tillamook is fifteen to twenty minutes away. |
| Other Local Attractions if the play isn't
in:
Check out the Tillamook Cheese Factory or go
on a hike or mountain bike ride on the abundant trails in the Coast
Range. |
| Closest Camping:
There are
campgrounds up river from the 12 Mile Bridge. Abundant opportunities
exist for camping at undeveloped sites along the river and off of
mountain roads near by. |
| Local's Tips:
Do the run from Mile 18 down to Mile 12 and
take in a variety of play spots instead of parking and playing. |
| Local Kayak Shops: Alder Creek and
Next Adventure are shops to hit in Portland. |
