Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Exploration - L1 - T2613

When
February 26, 2026
9:45 AM
Location
Smith and Bybee Lakes Canoe Launch
Spaces left
1
Registered
5 registrants

Registration

Members with wet exit certification
Active club members with wet exit certification, including kayaking professional and lifetime.
TO and Safety
Password Reserved for TO use

Full Name:: Brad Sheehan
Narrative:: Join Brad Sheehan for a pleasant exploration around Smith & Bybee Lakes.
The recent rains have brought the water level up, and drier weather is predicted.

We should see lots of waterfowl, maybe a few eagles, a variety of hawks, Great Blue Herons and maybe a White Egret.
Seeing invasive Nutria is guaranteed, but an elusive River Otter or Beaver would be a real treat.
Bring a lunch and water, and we'll find a suitable spot to eat along the way.

Dress for cold and possibly wet weather, neoprene gloves and warm wool base layers.

Please Plan to be a cooperative Pod Participant, and Bring your wheels/kayak cart.

DON'T LEAVE ANYTHING OF VALUE VISIBLE IN YOUR VEHICLE.

There is no fee to park, but you do need a current Oregon Water Access Permit.
The permit is valid for an entire year and available online at:
https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/ais-faqs.aspx
Meeting Time:: 9:45:00 AM
Launch Time:: 10:15:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: 5300 N Marine Drive Portland 97203 Smith and Bybee Lakes Canoe Launch at the East end of the roadway, past the cement outhouse, pavillion and picnic area.
Take out:: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather:: We'll plan to paddle unless gale force winds are predicted.
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Brad Sheehan
Co-Organizer(s):: TBD
Has organizer paddled here before?: Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before?: Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current?: Yes
First Aid /CPR Person:: TBD
Maximum number of paddlers:: TO plus 5 paddlers
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: 53 F
Estimated Water Temperature:: 50 F
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 5 hours
Tide times & heights:: 06:57 AM 0.95 L
12:58 PM 2.95 H
10:23 PM 0.71 L
Current information:: negligible
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: Less than 0.5 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 1
Rating Comments:: Generally a Level 1 paddle, except for distance and possible wind on open areas
Location:: 5300 N Marine Drive Portland 97203
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: Columbia River at Vancouver, WA
Link to map of route (Optional): https://www.oregonmetro.gov/sites/default/files/2025-11/smith-bybee-field-guide.pdf
:

Oregon Ocean Paddling Society
Portland, Oregon