Tier 1: Smith and Bybee Lakes Sunday Afternoon Paddle
Details
Sunday forecast currently calls for cloudy skies with a high of 74 degrees (subject to change about 37 times between now and then :-). Let's take advantage of the break in rainy weather to explore this amazing natural area, which teems with wildlife and vegetation. The plan is to gather at 1:30, inflate the boats, and hit the water by 2:00. We will half circle Smith Lake, go through the channel to Bybee, circle that, go back to Smith, and return to the boat ramp. I estimate that we will spend 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. My method is to wear flip flops, roll my pants up above the knees, get into the kayak with my feet dangling over the side, paddle to open water, and rinse before getting completely in. Bring a towel to dry off and socks to put on afterwards.
See the link for more info:
Smith & Bybee
What to bring:
- A kayak or SUP (hard shell and foldable kayaks are always welcome)
- Waterway Access Permit Info here
- 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 ($5-$10) donation once per season, more if you are using our equipment. 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.