Smith & Bybee Lakes (Level 1)

This trip is limited to OOPS members with WEC (unless paddling a sea kayak without a spray skirt or another exempt paddle craft.)  To register, you'll need to log into your member account on the OOPS website.

Narrative: Time to warm-up the kayaking body and get some muscle memory going! I’ll be paddling the four Wednesdays in April on local waters with Level 1 conditions. These will be relaxed pace paddles, but anyone who wants to sprint is welcome to paddle circles around the group. SUPs are welcome.

At Smith and Bybee Lakes, we’ll casually work on some paddling strokes as we explore the lakes and see how the heron rookery at the far end is doing. This 2,000-acre nature reserve is home to a multitude of wildlife, from ospreys to bald eagles and beavers, and is the largest protected urban wetland in the nation. We may paddle from 6-8 miles depending on where we explore.

We’ll launch at 11 and plan to be off the water by 2:30 p.m. We will observe the 
Four Ps: Please Plan to be a Pod Participant! If you are a lone wolf, this is not the trip for you. Bathrooms are available at Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, just before reaching the launch site at the end of the road. Free parking along the road. Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, 5300 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97217

Meeting Time: 10:30:00 AM
Launch Time: 11:00:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Launch area near dead end of road
Take out: Launch area near dead end of road
Route Alternative for bad weather: TBD
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: Full wet suit
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s): Dan Numbers & Monte Johnson
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? No
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:  
Maximum number of paddlers: 14
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 55
Estimated Water Temperature: 46
Estimated Water Time: 3-3.5 hrs. including a break
Tide times & heights: The lakes are close to flood stage and we will be there during high tide. This should make it easier to paddle around, though usual channels may be less visible. This can add to fun of exploring the lakes. Come with a sense of adventure.
Current information: There is no current to speak of.
Hazards:  
Wind strength: Level 1: 0-7 knots (8 mph)
Swell/Surf size: Level 1: Under 1' waves, no breaking waves
Sea state: Level 1: Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled, no whitecaps
Landing types: Level 1: Frequent easy landing opportunities including gently sloping, sand, gravel or grass
Currents: Level 1: None or mild (less than 1 knot)
Total distance: Level 2: 6 to 11 miles
Open crossing: Level 1: No open crossing
Paddling Environment:  
Overall rating: Level 1
Rating Comments: If the weather is mild, only the distance exceeds a Level 1 trip. If the weather looks windy, we may choose another location.
Location (Optional): Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, 5300 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97217
Photos (optional):