August, 2025
Am I going kayaking, or am I not going kayaking? That was my big question of the week. I sure wanted to go kayaking. Lake Quigg is so pretty and the weather was warm, with no wind. Before this trip, back at home, I had tested out my inflatable kayak so I knew she was ready to go, along with paddle and life jacket and sun hat.
I will ignore those old monster stumps we saw here a few days ago, at least for now … that was simply fun stuff. The more detailed question I had was “where to go to put the kayak in the water, and then get out again”. I had four options … see Google Earth image below.
On the far left is a tiny RED rectangle … that’s where I was camped. The four kayak launching options are … RED ARROW on the right, a boat “ramp” … YELLOW ARROW, a fishing float/dock … BLUE ARROW, the paved boat ramp into the Chehalis River … BLACK ARROW, a large float/dock right off the campground. Ok, I’m going for a walk and explore!
First I walked to the RED arrow “ramp” (below). Notice the sign “EXTREME DROP OFF”. And notice the rocks and mud and sticks that are sticking out into the water. Hmm, maybe I’d best check out the other options. Oh … AND … you might want to notice the stump out in the water, a new one!
So then I moved next door to the YELLOW option, the floating fishing dock (below). Well, it didn’t look promising for the kayak either. I could get INTO the kayak from the dock, but I’d bet I could not lift myself back UP out the kayak when I returned. So this didn’t seem a good option either. Oh, but wait … what’s that out in the water … yes, another stump!
Here, let me zoom in on this stump. You’ll see it in the photo below, can’t miss it. Look at those eyes! And the yellow hair, and the big nose, and the white mustache, and the kissy little mouth right at water level. No thank you!!
But before I left that fishing dock/float, I turned and took a little video of the rock strewn boat “ramp” looking at it from where I was standing part way out on the lake on that dock. And this video gives you a little close-up look at that long tree trunk/log and the creatures on it! [After you start the video, click on the little box image in the lower right corner to enlarge the video, or you can watch the video on YouTube.]
That so-called boat “ramp” doesn’t look very safe, does it?
I walked back onto land and took a closer look at that RED option, the boat “ramp”.
The photos above don’t show the rocks that are under the water. They were even larger than the rocks that are on each side of this “ramp”. Talk about a tripping/slipping hazard. My ankles hurt just thinking about it. When I’ve been camping here in the past, I’ve always wondered why no one used this boat “ramp”. Now I know why.
Ok, now it’s on to option number three, the BLUE arrow option, the paved (paved!) boat ramp that goes into the Chehalis River. There’s always current in the Chehalis River, but never very much, so I wasn’t worried about that.
Oh my gosh, look at the mud at the end of the ramp.
No thank you. Not only do my ankles hurt thinking about it, my butt hurts too! And my elbows! No thanks.
Only one option left, the BLACK arrow, the dock/float also right along the Chehalis River (photos below).
Hmmm, sure doesn’t look promising does it? I suppose I could simply THROW the kayak off that platform or the walkway, and then I could jump in the water, swim through the bushes, slide over the wet log and then try to get into the kayak while I’m floating in the water, yes? No!
The photo below looks down along that walkway to the floating dock at the end of it. But it too, same as the YELLOW option above, it too has that railing around it that would make it just about impossible for me to get out of the kayak, it’s just too high above water level.
I also looked around the edges of the lake and the edges of the Chehalis River. The banks are either covered with trees and bushes and grasses and blackberry vines, or they are extremely steep, or they have signs saying “no access, danger, stay out”.
Darn. I might have been able to use the RED gravel boat “ramp” or the BLACK paved boat ramp if the water level had been higher, but not this week. They just aren’t safe.
But … at that BLACK arrow location, the last of the four options, there was this lovely wide platform out over the river, and the sun was so perfectly warm, and those benches were so wonderfully inviting, so I simply sat down and enjoyed the view and listened to the birds and the Chehalis River.
The pilings and attached logs below were connected to that platform (above). They kept loose logs and debris (and maybe even monster stumps) from crashing into the platform support structure as those loose logs and debris floated downstream.
It was so lovely. I closed my eyes for just a few moments.
When I woke up from those few moments, I walked back up onto land and into the campground. The buildings below are … left, a public gathering area that is open on two sides and simply screened in on the other two sides, anyone can use it any time. The white building holds the showers and restrooms, very nice, large, very clean, accessed by stairs or by a long ramp. The tan building on the right is the administration building.
Walking through the campground, I heard birds … very small sounds at first, then louder the further I walked. Eventually, I realized the birds were above me so I stopped and looked up. Wow, dozens and dozens of tree swallows on the wires … turn your sound UP. Watching this on YouTube is best, more of it is in better focus, and you can enlarge the YouTube video by clicking on the two small arrows in the lower right corner. Just look at all those birds! 🙂 At the end of the YouTube video, you can close that and you should be taken right back here.
So, in the end, I did not go kayaking this week. The water was too low, and access to the lake or the river was too difficult. Maybe next trip? I hope so. I love being on the water no matter what type of boat I’m in, but kayaking is one of my favorite boating things to do. How about you?
NOTE: In response to Emily’s comment below, here’s a photo of my Stearns inflatable one-person (and one small dog) kayak. The dog is Alex, who was the best boat dog ever, and she was the best kayaking dog ever as she made sure I was always going in the proper direction. And she was the best friend ever. 🙂
Another monster stump! How cool. 🙂 This one was really great!
I actually kind of liked this stump. The eyes! 🙂
Kayaking is challenging, but loads of fun, but it is not meant to be a slip and fall accident waiting for a place to happen. Plus, those stumps may eat someone alive! Good call to suss it all out ahead of time.
Now, please tell us you have a pump for the kayak, surely you don’t have to blow it up (especially on a warm day!) Another hazard! Sheeesh.
Ah tuna, no, you sure are correct … slipping and falling are not involved in fun things in the world. 🙂
And, yes indeed I have a pump. In fact, I have TWO pumps. One is a foot pump, and the other is an electrical pump that runs off the 12v system in my truck. Good questions!
I’m really surprised this place doesn’t keep that gravel boat ramp in good condition. Is fishing allowed on the lake, seems the signs do allow it, just not gasoline motors. I’m sorry you didn’t get to go kayaking, I haven’t done that for many years but I used to love it. Hope you go soon!
I was surprised too, Bill, since there is quite a bit of fishing here, on the lake and on the river. I’m keeping “kayaking” on my list for sure. 🙂
Great research. Logical and thorough and safe. Wish you could have gone kayaking too, but we think you made the best, and safest, choice. Fun monster stump. 🙂 Great tree swallows!
Ah yes research. I’ve found that doing proper research, taking the time, usually reduces time spent on stupid decisions later on. Of course, not that I’ve made stupid decision in my life, but oh well I think I remember one or two. 🙂
I’m thinking about getting an inflatable kayak since they are easier to carry inside my vehicle than a hardshell kayak. What brand do you have and do you like it? Wish you could have gotten out on the water.
Oh Emily, I love my kayak! It’s a Stearns brand, one-person (and one small dog) kayak, bought brand new by me in 2005. 21 years later and it’s still going strong. I bought a repair kit and have never had to use it, although I’m careful about not running it over rocks and barnacles. I can’t find a website for the manufacturer any more, so maybe they are out of business, but if you found a well-loved and well-cared for used one, I’d go for it. I’ve posted a photo of it above. Alex and I used it so much!
NO! NO! Don’t throw the kayak out into the river and dive in after it, no!! 🙂 I said as I was running towards you and waving my arms and shouting.
Ha! That was fun.
I loved the birds. Nice photos. Spooky stump.
LOL! Dang, I think I even heard you while I was thinking about doing that, Joe. I know, you weren’t really there, but some inner voice told me not to do what I was thinking of doing. Thank you. 🙂
Wow, those boat ramps are not well maintained. I’m surprised since there must be good fishing in the area and the campground could charge a couple of bucks for boat launching into the lake or into the river. But I love the kissy face stump. 🙂 And everything else, and your little shut-eye out on those benches. Your blog is always a fun read. Thank you.
I was surprised too about the lack of maintenance of the boat ramps. But there is no store on the campground, for fishing tackle or other fishing stuff, or even food and drink, so maybe it’s just not worth their time. Also, the ramps are far enough away from the admin building, and not in sight of the admin building so it would be difficult to charge people for the use of the ramps. Still, what a loss. Thanks Pat. 🙂
Ankle twisters indeed. Glad you scoped them out and decided not to go.
Nice spot for a nap. 🙂 Did you see either one of our boats go by down that river? Ah yes I know they wouldn’t be there, but the thought just crossed my mind.
I haven’t seen my old boat in years. Thanks for your photos and stories and water adventures, and the shared history of old boats, makes it easier some how. Here’s to summer!
Ah, Mark, you read my mind. Every time I’m around salt water, or even a fresh water river, I’m always thinking of my old boat. There was no chance at all that my boat (or yours) would be on this river, and I know that you know that. The river isn’t evenly deep enough. But still, I sure share the feeling of wanting to see my boat (and you, your boat) coming around the bend. I haven’t seen my old boat in years either, though friends say she’s in excellent condition. Still …. sigh. Yes, here’s to summer. 🙂
Perfect. In every way. 🙂
Wow, thank you. 🙂
Brilliant. So lovely. We are glad you are safe.
Thank you Henry, thank your pals too. I always like hearing from you. 🙂
Oh lord the mud! Yes, makes my butt hurt too Ann. LOL! Glad you decided not to use either ramp. There will be better options in the future.
Oh, Wanda, and think of the laundry one would need to do if one slipped into that huge mud pit at the bottom of that boat ramp, yikes. I’d be hosing off my clothes (and myself) for days! Probably lose my shoes forever! Ok, better options, yes. 🙂