(No-Powerboat) Smith & Bybee Relaxed Trip (Level1)

This trip is limited to active members who are WEC (unless exempt under Activity policy F.1.).  To register, you'll need to log into your member account on the OOPS website.

Narrative: It’s time to check in again on the heron rookery at Smith and Bybee Lakes. Water levels are high which makes traversing parts of the lakes very different from when they are lower. On Memorial Day weekend most waterways will be buzzing with power boats. Smith and Bybee Lakes will be an oasis of human-powered craft only.

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.

To beat the heat, we’ll launch at 9:30 a.m. and plan to be off the water by 1:30 p.m. or earlier. We’ll be able to get out of our boats to take a break at the far end of the lake. Bring a lunch or snack. 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. SUPs and boats 10’ and longer are welcome. This will be a relaxed pace, but not a “dawdler,” trip.

Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in: Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, kayak launch at end of road
Take out: Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, kayak launch at end of road
Route Alternative for bad weather: None.
Required equipment:  
Minimum Immersion protection: None
Primary Organizer: Chris Mayou
Assistant Organizer(s):  
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:  
Maximum number of paddlers: 7; more if another Trip Organizer signs up
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 80
Estimated Water Temperature: 60
Estimated Water Time: 3-4 hours, including a break
Tide times & heights: Not an issue.
Current information: Not applicable.
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:  
Location (Optional): Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area, 5300 North Marine Drive, Portland, OR 97217
Photos (optional):