Wilderness River Camping

River Camping Manners

Whitewater rafting, some wilderness river may require a use permit

CAMPING MANNERS

The entire river corridor is a complete complex ecosystem rich in unique natural features, history, spectacular scenery and a variety of plant and animal life. The river corridor is usually a combination of private lands, and public lands which are usually managed by BLM, USFS and the individual States, such as Oregon.

Rivers will remain unspoiled for future generations only if protected and cared for by those who use them today. It is important that we set high standards for ourselves and minimize our impact as much as possible.

River touring makes little impact on the environment. It is quiet, and non-polluting. Except for the put-in, overnight campsites, and take-out, paddlers leave no trace on a water trail. Thousands of paddlers can use a river or lake and you can never tell they have been there. Good camping conduct is needed to enjoy river touring without depreciating the water trail in any way, and leaving no lasting trace.

Read your river permit carefully to determine what the management policy is on that specific river, it may vary slightly from this information.

Campsites

Much of the land on a river could be under private ownership. All river users should be aware of the location of public/private lands and should respect the rights and privacy of landowners. You should utilize only approved campsites, islands and public land areas. It is prohibited by law to trespass on private land. Rattlesnakes are commonly found along the river. Be careful and observant. Poison oak is common along many rivers in the West. Learn to identify poison oak: (it has shiny oak-like green or deep red leaves in groups of three). Avoid contact with any part of the poison oak plant.

Construction

Minimize building for kitchen emplacements and shelter. Don't disarrange the scene. Use tents or tarps. Never cut boughs for poles, or put nails in trees. Don't harm fragile vegetation. Climbing the bank of a river destroys vegetation, muddies the water and accelerates erosion. This action can have serious consequences for the wildlife which inhabit this riparian area.

Fires

Remember that regulations governing campfires are specific to each National Forest and change with weather conditions and the seasons. NEVER LEAVE A FIRE UNATTENDED! Build fires only in a safe location. Use an approved fire pan (each side must be at least 2 inches high) Fire pans are required by special use river permits in wilderness areas. The fire pan will collect all ashes to be disposed of in the river (if permitted) the next morning. Bring pliers to handle the fire pan if you need to move it while it's hot. Clear a 10 ft. circle around the fire pan for safety. Please be aware that summer conditions are extremely dry and fire danger is usually high. Carry the cold fire pan into the moving current of the river, any wood that remains will float, collect it and carry the wood to the next camp to be burned again. Tend fires with extreme care, and completely extinguish them prior to retiring for the night or leaving the area. Do not build fire rings, or put fires against a log, back rock, or too close to tents or sleeping bags, which blown sparks can burn. Keep fires small... Never bury a fire. It can escape from under the dirt. A 5" by 7" bladed shovel with a 12" handle is required by law to attend all fires. Stoves are to be used for cooking. Always fill lanterns or stoves outdoors away from any flame. Do not use lanterns or stoves in your tent or vehicle. Carry fuel in metal containers only. Cigarettes must be thoroughly extinguished! Any uncontrolled fires should be reported immediately.

Wood

Use only down wood. Do not cut standing trees, living or dead.... nor break off their branches. Snags are picturesque and should not be molested. Axe work on down logs and stumps mar the atmosphere. Consider carrying your own wood, especially when bad weather may leave little dry wood for your campfire.

Bedsites

Don't excavate. Find a naturally level spot. Erase evidence of your bed when breaking camp. Double check the area before you leave, forgotten laundry is litter. Use a ground cloth or foot print under your tent.

Washing

Use a small wash pan for laundry and sponge bathing. Keep soap out of rivers and lakes. Dump all wastewater 100 feet from any river or above the high water mark, stream or lake. Solar Showers are ideal, but take your shower away from the river. Fill them in the morning and biner them on top of your load in the sun so they will heat up during the day and will be ready for a hot shower in the evening in camp. One average sized solar shower will accommodate two people for a shower. Do your pot scrubbing and washing well back from the shore.

Use the four bucket system of dish washing; Be sure all food on dishes and utensils are scraped into a garbage bag before washing. The first bucket is for pre-washing, getting the waste off the dishes. Second bucket is for washing with soap containing adequate amounts of hot water (120 to 140 degrees), the third bucket is for rinsing with hot water, the forth bucket is for dipping in a chlorine rinse and water rinse to kill bacteria and simple disinfection. Use 1 ounce of bleach to 5 gallons of water for your rinse. Allow utensils to remain for 30 seconds in the rinse. The utensils should be air dried and then covered or put away once dry. NOTE: The water is to be kept hot during the entire dish washing operation. After washing dishes pour the dish water through a screen strainer to filter out particles and put them in the garbage. Then dispose of your dish water above the high water mark.

dish washing

Garbage

Place all your litter and solid waste in a garbage bag for later disposal. Some burnables may be disposed of in the fire. Place the garbage bag inside a stronger bag for carrying in your boat. When ice chests become empty replace with garbage bags for later disposal. When packing your food consider re-package to keep garbage to a minimum. No garbage should be deposited along any river or lake except in approved receptacles, or after the trip in a proper disposal container. Have your garbage bag accessible so you can pick up litter along the river. Never bring glass. Food waste should be deposited in your garbage bag also. DON'T LITTER! Take cans, bottles, wrappers, cigarette butts, etc., with you when you leave the river and recycle or dispose of them properly. If you can pack it in you can pack it out. Young fish, snakes, and lizards can become trapped and die inside pop cans. Small animals such as raccoons can get their paws caught or cut in empty food cans. Ducks foraging for food can become entangled in plastic loop six-pack carriers. Discarded film packs often contain a toxic chemical, which can be poisonous to deer or other animals that eat them.

Water Supply

DO NOT DRINK OR USE WATER FROM RIVERS OR LAKES.
A protozoa parasite called GIARDIA is found in almost every water source in the west. It is not destroyed by simple disinfection. It must be filtered out with a water purifier. It can cause dysentery, fevers, and other illnesses. Carry and use a water purification device to filter on site water or obtain and carry potable water from a private source you know is safe. Carry 2 quarts per person per day minimum for drinking.

Fish

Catch only as many fish as you need or can consume. After cleaning fish, deposit the entrails in your garbage bag. Never throw entrails, head, etc. back into the water. Anyone fishing must have a valid fishing license. Your state's Fish and Game department can provide you with the current season and license information.

Food Preparation

Before you start to prepare any food, wash your hands with liquid soap and water. Hands should be air dried or use a new paper towel. You should have some form of table (a canoe turned upside down makes a great table) with an easily cleanable surface for food storage and preparation. Do not store or prepare food on the ground. Your perishable food or beverage is best stored at temperatures below 45 degrees F or above 140 degrees to prevent pathogenic bacterial growth. A readily visible thermometer attached to the interior lid of your ice chest will help ensure proper temperatures. It is suggested to use the smaller size ice chest because the temperature requirements are easier to control than the larger ones. Running water should be provided in all areas where food is prepared or utensils washed. A spigot type cooler with safe water can be hung from a tree for washing hands before eating. A Wishy-Washy pump is ideal for washing hands before food preparation. Personal guide knives, hunting knives, pocket knives etc., are never to be used in food preparation. All multi-use utensils used in food preparation should be maintained in good condition; made of non-toxic materials; cleaned after each use; and stored in a sanitary container when not in use. Your utensils should have only one use: FOOD PREPARATION. Keep fuel and insecticides away from food storage and food preparation; keep them in a separate container. Be sure all food that is perishable is fresh and purchased just before your trip. Prepare food at home and package it so camping won't be such a chore. Zip-loc bags and seal-a-meals help in keeping food dry. Use recipes that better adapt to cooking outdoors and are easy to clean up after.

Noise

Be a considerate camper. Don't crowd other camps. Noise is out of harmony on a wilderness river trip. Radios, tapes and pets should be left at home.

Human Waste Carry Out Method

Rest Stop Bags

Because of the impact on soils and vegetation and the hazard to human health presented in the burial system, it is now suggested (required for river use permits on public lands) that all solid human wastes be carried out from the river canyon. At first glance this requirement seems impossible to comply with. It is much simpler than it appears and is actually a lot easier than the old burial system. If you need to pee while stopped for lunch, etc. Boys go up-stream and girls go downstream and pee in the river or wet sand.

The following is one system that works.
The items necessary are:

Two Ammo cans (rocket boxes), the big ones commonly 18" by 8" by 14".
An approved toilet with a plastic seat that goes inside the ammo cans. (Inspect before your trip, being plastic they break) Check the capacity of each tank. The Eco-Safe River Toilets tank is approx. 50 uses.
Pee pot. Do not urinate in the toilet, only in a pee pot and discard in the river to save room in the toilet tank.
Deodorant chemical (septic-mate, aqua chem, chlorine bleach, quick lime, etc. Obtain organic and biodegradable type from your local RV supply store, follow directions on the container).
Toilet paper.
Hand washing bucket and liquid soap. (This is good use of a Wishie Washey>)
Rubber gloves for handling the toilet.

The system is set up as follows: One of the ammo cans serves as the actual toilet container. The ammo can is first lined with a Eco-Safe tank and attach the seat and lid. Pour the deodorant into the tank and close the toilet seat on top of the can. The toilet is now ready to use. The hand washing bucket and liquid soap can be placed close. Used toilet paper and articles particular to feminine hygiene (tampons and sanitary napkins) can be placed directly into the toilet. After each deposit, the toilet is covered with a large plastic bag, thus discouraging flies. When camp is to be broken, it takes only a few minutes to dismantle the toilet system and store the system. Put on your rubber gloves to handle any toilet duty. When it is full, place the tank containing the feces into a garbage bag and tie it off securely. This is a security measure against leakage. The storage tank is then placed into the ammo can, the lid sealed, and the container ready for storage until the next days camp. The toilet seat, extra plastic bags, toilet paper, soap, and deodorant are stored in another ammo can, ready for the next stop's use. It is necessary only to remove two cans per night from the boat, one for storage of equipment another for actual use as a toilet and the subsequent storage of the fecal products. Clearly mark any full cans. The amount of chemical used per day depends on the type used and the amount of people on the trip. With liquid deodorant, a few ounces is sufficient for six or seven people (follow directions on the container). If you are using bleach, more is required, approximately double. Quick lime should be sprinkled over feces after each use.

The deodorant reduces bacterial growth in the feces and the production of methane gas. The number of ammo cans needed is dependent on the number of people and the length of the trip. You should be able to container about 50 person-days of feces in one tank. Thus for a 5 day, 10 person trip, you should need one ammo can for feces storage and one ammo can for equipment. The key is to get all the air out to reduce its size as much as possible. The above is a basic system, with the intent to safely container the feces, and prevent it from generating methane gas in the absence of air in the ammo cans. Leave the toilet set up until the party breaks camp. When camp is broken, it takes only a few minutes to dismantle the toilet system. Wash hands thoroughly after handling the toilet. The individual that handles the toilet usually never cooks on the trip.

At the end of your trip, please deposit the solid waste accumulated in an approved sanitary dumping station, portable john, or other approved site. Do not deposit in garbage cans. You have carried the material down miles of river, be sure to carry it to a proper place to dispose of it. Wear your gloves that should be used only for this purpose. Wash up and clean your hands thoroughly...

Some rivers require a washable reusable container approved by that river manager. An ammo box is acceptable if it contains a reusable hard plastic liner. Urination can occur in the river or in the wet sand below the high water line. (Boys upstream, girls down stream.) Do not store toilet or associated toilet articles next to food or food equipment to prevent contamination.

WAG BAGS are used at lunch stop or any time it is too difficult to get out the camp toilet. Follow the directions on the wag bag for disposal.

Group Equipment

Group equipment should include a first aid kit, repair kit (gray duct tape, and appropriate materials to repair the types of boats on the trip), map and compass, extra flashlight with fresh batteries, waterproof matches, extra throw bag with 65 feet floating line, rescue ropes of at least 125 feet long (for rescuing pinned boats), spare paddles/oars, and a spare P.F.D. (life jacket) for every 10 people. If the river dictates other rescue equipment such as a "Z" rig, prussic loops, carabineers, rescue pulleys, etc. should be carried.

Float Plan

If you are going for a day or a wilderness trip let a responsible person know where you are going and what time you plan to be off the river. They should have a certain time established when they can contact the authorities if you do not check in on time. You can establish check points along the way which civilization can be contacted if necessary. Knowing the location of help and hospitals can speed your rescue in any case. The County Sheriff is the first person to contact in most cases. Carry change in your first aid kit for phone calls. Should an accident occur ask or help from other boaters. Pass messages with passing boats to let your contact person know what is happening or to contact the authorities. On remote wilderness rivers stay in one area on the river bank where help can find you. If you must leave the site be cautious avoid going overland as it is easy to get lost or disoriented in remote areas. Know where you are going for help, otherwise follow the river.

Important Tips

Most people get in trouble on wilderness trips because of poor equipment, or they get in over their head (they don't have the skills or experience to handle the river.) They just aren't prepared for the conditions of the trip. Know the AWA Safety Code. Don't overload your boat or improperly load it out of trim as it will be hard to control and turn over more easily. Weight should be stowed as low in the center of the boat as possible. Make sure your boat is proper for the trip. Open canoes should be restricted to low class 3 rivers when they are heavily loaded, use extreme caution, or use raft support (let the raft carry all the gear). Don't forget the keys to the shuttle car at the end of your trip!!!

River Flow

Some rivers are free-flowing and others dam controlled which allows the water levels and river characteristics to change dramatically with the seasons and weather conditions. Higher, faster river flows typically occur in the spring and early summer, as warmer temperatures and increased rainfall melt high elevation snow packs. AS the season progresses, the river level gradually drops. By August, river flows are typically very low with shallower water and more exposed rocks unless the river is dam controlled and predictable water releases are known. Boaters are strongly advised to obtain up-to-date river conditions and weather forecasts when planning trips. The water flow can change the difficulty of a run on a river. Flows can make a tremendous difference in current velocities and size of the rapids. Obtain flow conditions before the trip and determine how it will affect the boating skills of the entire group. Refer to the International Scale of River Difficulty for class of river difficulty.

River flow Information>> GO HERE

Oregon Waterways Access Permit

Oregon requires an OREGON WATERWAY ACCESS PERMIT
•All non-motorized boats (paddlecraft) 10 feet and longer, resident and out-of-state
•Out-of-state motorboats and sailboats 12 feet in length or more
•Failure to show the permit is a class D violation with a $115 fine
•Buy: Try your local Fred Meyer or >> GO HERE