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Wildlife Kayak Tour of the Smith & Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area


Hidden among port terminals, warehouses and ageing industrial developments, lies one of the region’s best-kept secrets- Smith and Bybee Lakes.  This 2,000-acre wildlife reserve is home to beavers, ospreys, bald eagles and dozens of other bird species you’ll be surprised to encounter just 10 minutes from downtown Portland.  Smith & Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area is the largest protected urban wetland in the nation.

This trip will be led by the world-class guides and naturalists of eNRG Kayaking.  An introductory lesson will start the day for anyone unfamiliar with recreational kayaking.  As we paddle through a series of inter-connected slough, waterways and lakes our naturalist will narrate the habits, routines and lifestyles of the creatures we encounter.  River otters, nutria and black-tailed deer are common to the area.  Over 100 species of birds have been observed here.  Additionally, Smith and Bybee are home to a large population of the threatened Western Painted Turtle.

We will travel through a unique wilderness area, watch the great wildlife of Pacific Northwest and experience the family-friendly sport of kayaking. Join us for a great afternoon on the water!

No prior experience required.  Kayaks, Paddles, PFDs and Clif Bars provided.  

Price: $89

Time: 12:30 pm – 4 pm 

Directions to the parking lot on North Marine Drive

Take I-5 to west N. Marine Dr. (exit 307). (If you’re going north on I-5, the exit road continues for about 1 mile before a right turn onto N. Marine Dr.) After about 2 miles on N. Marine Dr., you'll be on an overpass from which you can see Smith Lake to the left. At the bottom of the overpass, look for a brown and white sign with "Smith and Bybee Lakes Wildlife Area".  Turn left into the driveway and proceed about 1/8 mile to the parking lot on the left.

To continue to the non-motorized boat launch site: Proceed past the parking lot, continuing for about 1/4 mile to the boat launch on the right.  Parallel parking is available on the non-lake side of the roadway.
 
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