Category: Kayaking
Posted June 13th, 2010 in Kayaking | Tags: paddling in Portland |
The sun is out, the air is still, it is a great day to get on the water in a canoe or kayak with the family. Here are a few suggestions on where to go in the Portland area:
Smith and Bybee Lakes: One of our favorite nature spots in town is Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area on N Marine Dr. The quality of paddling in the area depends on the time of year, late spring tends to be the best time because water level is at its peak. Right now the water level is pretty good for paddling but the area does get hammered on gusty days, so head out on a “still” day. Shore access away from the canoe launch is undependable, so make sure all ‘potty’ needs are met before you get in the boat. The canoe launch is a little east of the parking area.
Feeling REALLY ambitious and want a unique “in-city” canoe trip? Consider doing the Columbia Slough from Fairview to Kelly Point.
Vancouver Lake: Vancouver Lake often offers more sheltered conditions than local river options. Thes park charges an access fee during summer months. Vancouver Lake Park 6801 NW Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA 98660.
Getting There: Exit I-5 west onto Mill Plain or Fourth Plain. Beyond Fruit Valley Rd. Mill Plain and Fourth Plain Merge into Lower River Road, continue driving West , follow the signs to Vancouver Lake.
Sturgeon Lake on Sauvie Island: Sturgeon Lake is located on the northern end of the island. It also connects with Steelman Lake and Mud Lake, so you can easily spend all day exploring on the water if you would like to. When the water lowers late in the summer, try to avoid low tide since you can find yourself stranded in the mud flats near shore. Motor boats are allowed on the lake but are very rare encounters – speeds are low and wakes are minimal. On a clear day you can enjoy views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St. Helens on the lake. Seeing fish jump, herons, and falcons is common.
Getting There: From Portland, take route 30 toward St. Helens. Take the Sauvie Island Bridge onto the island and go North on Sauvie Island Rd. Kruger’s will be 1 1/2 miles ahead on the right. To get to Sturgeon Lake, continue North on Sauvie Island Road and take a right onto Reeder Road. Follow Reeder Road and, after a mile or so, take the left fork onto Oak Island Road. The road will eventually become gravel follow it to the junction at Webster Pond. Stay to the right (straight) and the road will end at Sturgeon Lake.
Posted July 1st, 2009 in Kayaking, Milagros News, Wildlife | Tags: Columbia Slough, Kayaking, outdoors, Wildlife |
We are fans of the Columbia Slough. It is an overlooked environmental gem that weaves it way through east and north Portland. We love Whittaker Ponds, Smith and Bybee Lakes, and the historic Children’s Arboretum.
We spent part of last lazy Sunday at Whittaker Ponds after hitting Beacon Rock State Park. We watched fish, herons, swallows, and enjoyed the breeze through the trees.
Want to get a real feel for the Columbia Slough this summer? The Watershed Council has a variety of events that are just right for you!
Keep reading…
Posted August 15th, 2007 in Hiking, Kayaking, Milagros News, Outside of Portland, travel |
The weather this summer has been, well…a little disappointing. There have been many more cloudy days than we have been used to. Normally our summer trips include excursions to the mountains and the coast to escape the hot days of Portland – including occasional triple digit temp days. This year we have been escaping TO the sun. To escape some of the dreary summer days in July, we headed out to Kah Nee Ta for a couple of nights.
This resort/casino on the Warm Springs Reservation is pretty family friendly. We stayed in the lodge and although there is a casino, the entrance is separate from other accommodations so you don’t even need to know the casino exists – unless you WANT to know…
Pluses: 20 miles from ANYTHING with sweeping desert views from every lodge room. The lodge has a sauna, steam room, work out room and pool for guests and wifi access by the dramatic fireplace. The Village area of the resort has an enormous pool that is spring-fed and great for kids. Other amenities include a spa, kayak rentals/outings, horseback excursions, golfing (and mini-golf for kids), access to the Spring River, and nearby hiking trails.
Minuses: 20 miles from ANYTHING which limits your food options to what is on-site. The food is fine and reasonably priced (breakfast was included as part of the High Desert Escape Package that we booked) BUT there are limited options for vegetarians – vegans may be completely out of luck. The Chinook Room has a kid’s menu.
Tips: Bring a cooler with items for lunches and snacks. Do NOT forget the sunscreen and use it liberally. For a little vegetarian variety when dining in The Chinook Room, ask to have the Longhouse Salad which is on the menu for The Juniper Room next door (they share a kitchen). At breakfast ask to substitute fry bread for toast.
If you are interested in checking Ka Nee Ta out, here is a great deal they are having – Rooms are 50 percent off August 26 – 30 and September 3 – 6!
Posted July 3rd, 2007 in Hiking, Kayaking, Milagros News, Outside of Portland, travel, Wildlife |
This is another note from our trip to Reno. Jen is a NV native and all of her family is in the Reno-area, so we visit the area quite a bit.
Reno has been going through a lot changes in the past few years, they seem to be moving away from gaming and developing a more “family-friendly” environment. This is a work in progress but there are more and more opportunities for families to relax and enjoy themselves in the area.
In the past few years, the city has been redeveloping the area around the Truckee River which flows through town. Known as the RiverWalk there are a number of shops and cafes as well as sculptures and other features to view in addition to the river.
They have also been making changes to the river. Using concrete and 8,000 tons of rocks they contoured about 1/2 mile of the river into rapids for white-water kayakers. They have also created areas on the river that are perfect for families to take a dip. These areas are primarily adjacent to Barbara Bennett Park.
We went playing and wading in the Truckee on this trip. Mila loved splashing the in water and hopping on the rocks. Afterward we strolled along the RiverWalk to our favorite indepedent coffee shop in Reno: Dreamer’s.
A unique part of the river that we visited on this trip for the first time was the Oxbow Nature Study Area. This wildlife and plant preserve is located on the Truckee River at the very end of Dickerson Road. The area is dedicated to preserving the plant and animal life found in the Truckee Meadows area and it features a two-mile interpretive trail that is level and very kid-friendly. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area.
Posted April 3rd, 2007 in Events, Kayaking, Milagros News |
Join Mike Houck on a leisurely paddle around Ross Island. The trip is suitable for paddlers of all skill levels, will circumnavigate Ross, Hardtack, East and Toe islands. Great Blue Heron and Bald Eagle young should be visible in their Ross Island nests at this time of year. You are responsible for bringing and maintaining your own kayak/canoe.
Register now on the Audubon website or by calling 503-292-6855, ask to be transferred to #116.
Posted March 13th, 2007 in Events, Kayaking, Milagros News, Wildlife |
Canoe on the Slough from 6 pm – 8 pm at Whitaker Ponds (7040 NE 47th Ave). Columbia Slough Watershed Council staff will guide participants in canoe bimarans (two canoes lashed together) for a special evening trip of the middle slough. There will be two 40 minute trips. Space is limited. Registration is required. Contact Katie 503.281.1132 to register.
Posted January 31st, 2007 in Hiking, Kayaking, Milagros News, Wildlife |
One of our favorite nature spots in town is Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area on N Marine Dr. It is a great, kid-friendly outing any time of year (and it doesn’t hurt that it is only a 10-15 minute drive from the house).
We went for a stroll there on Sunday and enjoyed a peaceful walk that included stunning views of Mt. Hood as well as wildlife viewing. One especially interesting sight was all of the trees that had been felled by beavers. You could see the teeth marks in the stumps!
If you decide to check out this “wild in the city” gem, here are a few suggestions:
Walking: Be sure to explore the fun stone sculptures in the parking area as well as the unique “trees” with bird houses and bat houses. From the parking area walk a little west to access the interlakes trail.
The trail provides access to viewing blinds for both Smith and Bybee Lakes. The trail is paved and level, perfect for a family stroll. Wildlife we have seen in the area includes turtles, fish, beavers, herons, ducks, snakes, rabbits, countless dragonflies, and much more. This time of year you will see less activity but the area is still very much alive and enticing.
Paddling: The quality of paddling in the area depends on the time of year, late spring tends to be the best time because water level is at its peak. Right now the water level is pretty good for paddling but the area does get hammered on gusty days, so head out on a “still” day. Shore access away from the canoe launch is undependable, so make sure all ‘potty’ needs are met before you get in the boat. The canoe launch is a little east of the parking area.
Feeling REALLY ambitious and want a unique “in-city” canoe trip? Consider doing the Columbia Slough from Fairview to Kelly Point.
Biking: The bike path that goes through the area is part of the 40 mile loop and provides level riding around Smith Lake and all the way to Kelly Point Park.
