Smith and Bybee Lakes - L2 - T2534

When
April 04, 2025
9:00 AM
Location
Smith Lake canoe ramp
Spaces left
3
Registered
7 registrants

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Full Name: Bob Hyslop
Narrative: Sometimes described as the largest urban wetland in America, Smith and Bybee Lakes fluctuate with the water level in Columbia Slough. One needs about seven feet for decent paddling, and it reaches this level only about a half dozen times a year. Right now it’s ten feet and rising.

Heron and eagles abound, and at least one beaver lodge has a current occupant. This trip will be a leisurely exploration, covering perhaps 8 or 9 miles, but never in a straight line. We will paddling in and around trees and brush, so turning and maneuvering skills are helpful. Also a sense of humor.

It’s about 100 yards from the parking lot to the water’s edge on a good gravel path. Kayak wheels helpful.

Reference: USGS -Columbia Slough at Portland - 14211820

Meeting Time: 9:00:00 AM
Launch Time: 9:30:00 AM
Type of activity: Paddle Trip
Put in:

Smith Lake canoe ramp

Take out: same
Route Alternative for bad weather: none
Required equipment:
Minimum Immersion protection: Drysuit
Primary Organizer: Bob Hyslop
Co-Organizer(s): Tom Waldron
Has organizer paddled here before? Yes
Has organizer led an OOPS paddle here before? Yes
Organizer's first aid and CPR current? No
First Aid /CPR Person: Tom Waldron
Maximum number of paddlers: 10
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature: 60 degrees
Estimated Water Temperature: 50 degrees
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch): 4 hours
Tide times & heights: not applicable
Current information:
Hazards:
Wind strength: Level 2: 7-12 knots (14 mph) – wind noticeably effects movement of paddle
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 2: Frequent landing opportunities including docks or moderate sloping banks, brush or overhanging trees
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 2
Rating Comments:
Location: Smith Lake canoe ramp
Photos (Optional): yes
COVID-19 Status of Trip: All participants of this trip must be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station: USGS -Columbia Slough at Portland - 14211820

https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/14211820/#dataTypeId=continuous-00065-0&period=P365D&showMedian=false
Link to map of route (Optional)