Smith & Bybee Lakes Wildlife and Exploration Paddle - L2 - T25B5

When
December 12, 2025
9:30 AM
Location
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area Canoe Launch
Spaces left
5
Registered
2 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

Registration is closed

Full Name:: Brad Sheehan
Narrative:: Join Brad Sheehan for a pleasant exploration around Smith & Bybee Lakes.
Friday will be the driest day this week, and all the recent rain has finally brought the water level up to an acceptable height for a memorable paddle.
It has been over a year since I've been out to the lakes.

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 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 IN YOUR VEHICLE.
DROP DOWN YOUR GLOVE BOX LID,
AND FLIP UP THE CONSOLE COVER.

There is no fee to park, but you do need a current Oregon Water Access Permit.
The permit is good for an entire year and available online at:
https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/boater-info/pages/ais-faqs.aspx
Note: You should wait until AFTER January 1, 2026 to buy the full year permit.
Meeting Time:: 9:30:00 AM
Launch Time:: 10:00:00 AM
Type of activity:: Paddle Trip
Put in:: Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area Canoe Launch 5300 N Marine Drive Portland
Take out:: Same
Route Alternative for bad weather:: Trip will be canceled if Thunderstorms are predicted
Required equipment::
Minimum Immersion protection:: Drysuit
Primary Organizer:: Brad Sheehan
Co-Organizer(s):: TBA
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:: Brad Sheehan
Maximum number of paddlers:: 6 including TO
I certify that I understand and will conduct this activity in accordance with the OOPS Activity Policy:: Yes
Estimated Air Temperature:: 58
Estimated Water Temperature:: 46
Estimated Water Time (including breaks/lunch):: 6 hours
Tide times & heights:: L 0.62 ft 7:05 am
H 2.46 12:40 pm
L 1.23 7:40 pm
Current information:: Little to No Current
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 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 2: Between 0.5 and 1 miles
Paddling Environment::
Overall rating:: Level 2
Rating Comments:: Basic Level 1 Paddle, except for distance and possible wind
Location:: Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area 5300 N Marine Drive (Northwest of Expo Center)
Photos (Optional)::
COVID-19 Status of Trip:: Participants of this trip may, or may not, be vaccinated for Covid-19
Tide Station:: Columbia Slough
and Columbia River West of I - 5 Bridge
https://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions.html?id=9440083&units=standard&bdate=20251201&edate=20251231&timezone=LST/LDT&clock=12hour&datum=MLLW&interval=hilo&action=monthlychart
Link to map of route (Optional):