Tier 1: Smith and Bybee Wetlands!
Details
Spring is the best time to explore Smith Bybee Wetlands Natural Area. This is an amazing natural area, which teems with wildlife and vegetation. The plan is to gather at 10:30am, inflate the boats, and hit the water by 11:15am. I estimate that we will spend about 2-2.5 hours on the water.
Parking: Do NOT park in the main parking lot; it is too far from there to the ramp. Continue to the end of the road and park on the north shoulder.
Rest rooms: There are two rest rooms next to the main parking lot on the way to the ramp. I recommend stopping there on the way. If needed, there are places to get out during the paddle.
Boat ramp: This is not a dock, so putting the boat in is not easy, and definitely not clean. You will almost certainly have to wade in a bit, and it is muddy. Expect to get your legs wet up to the knees and your feet muddy. Bring a towel to dry off.
More info:
Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area | Metro
What to bring:
- A kayak or SUP (hard shell and foldable kayaks are always welcome)
- Waterway Access Permit if your vessel is 10' or longer
- If you have the option to use a shorter skeg (fin), please do that. The water might be shallow in places.
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and whatever else you need to keep safe
- Water and snacks
- Optional: A towel
- Recommended: binoculars (for spotting wildlife)
Please support our group: Please consider helping us run the group by making a small donation. All collected funds will be used for the annual Meetup fee and for purchases of loaner equipment. To donate, please give cash to the event host, or send it via Venmo to @JackBaikov (if it asks for last 4 digits of phone number, they are 7191). Thank you!
A quick reminder that Meet-up leaders are unpaid volunteers and claim no special expertise or knowledge. We will paddle as a group but ultimately you are responsible for your own experience, safety and decision-making.