Differences

This shows you the differences between two versions of the page.

--- calkins_foster_lake [2026/06/19 15:42] – created bob
+++ calkins_foster_lake [2026/06/20 02:59] (current) – bob
@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 ======= Calkins Park Ramp (Foster Lake) =======
-Introductory words here to give the general character of the access site, such as "a paved single ramp with a separate courtesy dock."  Then any useful information such as ownership, use fees, seasonal closures and the like.  Any description of the water being accessed goes below, not here.
+This double boat ramp is about 8-miles east of the center of Sweet Home.  It provides access to Foster Lake at the South Santiam Arm.  There is day parking for vehicles and trailers.  A dock is in the center of the two lanes.  This park is primarily a boat launch facility and it has vault toilets.  The park is operated by Linn County and no fee is charged.  Foster Lake has adequate water from roughly April to October.
+{{:calkinsparkramp.png?640|}}
 **Picture of Access Point** - A picture is really important.  It should show the overall layout of the ramp or beach including local docks.  If everything shows from the approach to the water that is great.  If two pictures are needed, that is fine.  Do not put big images here.  A width of about 640 pixels is generally adequate.
@@ Line 7: / Line 9: @@
 **Location**
-GPS Location 44.xxxx, -123.xxxx   Put the access lat-lon here. Try to get at least 4 digits for the GPS (5 is better, 6 is overkill)
+GPS Location:  44.41345, -122.62517
-[[https://umap.openstreetmap.de/en/map/coots-map_138835#12#12/44.xxxx/-123.xxxx|44.xxxx,-123.xxxx]]
+The park can also be located on the interactive map from [[https://umap.openstreetmap.de/en/map/coots-map_138835#12#12/44.41345/-122.62517|Open Street Maps.]]
-If possible, an image of a map showing the access point and associated park or the like goes here.  One of the best sources, that is open to use, is [[https://www.openstreetmaps.org|Open Street Maps]].  If you crop the map image, be sure you leave the credit that appears at the bottom.  Again, try to keep the map image to around 640 pixels.
+{{:calkinsparkmap.png?640|}}
-Also, include driving instructions here, if needed.  If a turn-off is hard to locate, a few words could be valuable.  Any special instructions such as freeway exit numbers can go here.
+From US Highway 20,you turn off on Quartzville Road.  Immediately turn west into the road to the boat ramp.
 **Description**
-Tell us about the access site, and anything about the launch ramp.   Is it steep or shallow?  Slime at the bottom, perhaps?  A very important element is the depth of the ramp.  Most of  our water varies in depth and some ramps do not work for the lower levels.
+When the lake is full, the water depth at the foot of the ramp is 6-feet. It is a good idea to make sure there is enough water for your boat.  The daily lake level is available from the [[https://www.nwd-wc.usace.army.mil/nwp/teacup/willamette/fos.pdf|US Army Corps of Engineer's web site]].
 **Water Character**
-This can't cover everything.  But, if the lake is drained in the winter, put it here.  Is there a big stump at low water?  Maybe, the weeds grow in to the access area in summer?  That sort of information directly affects the decision to use the access point.
+Foster Lake is popular for summer recreation.  On a hot weekend day, it can be quite busy.  During the week things quiet down.
+There  is access to quiet water to the east on the South Santiam arm, but this requires going under the Quartzville Road bridge that may be a problem for sailboats.  [Data needed: height of this bridge?]
+The main lake can have good afternoon breezes for sailing with interesting gusts from the surrounding hills.