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Paddling I-90 Pond Near You?
Posted by: booztalkin on Jul-06-12 10:29 AM (EST)

-- Last Updated: Sep-02-12 1:50 PM EST --

I'm going to drive from the east coast to the NW over the next week or two. I will be carrying my sea kayak, and would like to use it en route. I've spent some time on bing/maps looking at the route, which generally follows I-90, and trying to pick off some paddling/camping spots. Here are my candidates, separated by about a day's drive.

Lake Erie, Maumee Bay, OH
Mississippi, Brownsville, Mn
Missouri, Chamberlain, SD

Thought I'd post here and see if there is anybody that might be in those areas and want to join in a paddle. If so, drop me an email.

Further west, it looks like there are so many opportunities I don't need to plan much.

I'd love to make a paddling over nighter in Yellowstone, but it is summer and maybe that is not realistic with the crowding. Feedback on that notion is welcome. Maybe there are spots in the Grand Tetons that are not as busy?

~~Chip

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Table of Contents

Paddling I-90 Pond Near You? - booztalkin - Jul-06-12 10:29 AM
- Missippi River - guideboatguy - Jul-09-12 12:53 PM
- The Missouri - alan_gage - Jul-11-12 3:56 PM
- En route - Booztalkin - Jul-12-12 11:24 PM
- Paddling I-90 Pond Near You? - robcasey - Jul-14-12 1:16 AM
  - Thanks - Booztalkin - Jul-17-12 9:31 AM
- Yellowstone - Glenn_MacGrady - Jul-15-12 12:50 AM
  - Permits - Booztalkin - Jul-17-12 9:27 AM
    - Lake Erie - emanoh - Jul-24-12 1:09 AM
      - Riverside Kayak Connection - emanoh - Jul-24-12 3:24 PM
- Lake Erie - Coulter - Aug-08-12 9:22 PM
- Thanks, all! Trip done. - booztalkin - Sep-02-12 2:16 AM

Messages in this Topic

  Missippi River
  Posted by: guideboatguy on Jul-09-12 12:53 PM (EST)

Hey Chip, it's not likely that your timing would be right that I could join you, but I thought I'd mention that the part of the Mississippi River a very short distance south of your "target town" is an especially nice place. A rough guesstimate is that there's nearly 100 miles of navigable backwater channels along the ten-mile stretch of river below the dam at Genoa, Wisconsin. The main channel will be busy on weekends with speedboats, but secondary and smaller channels are pretty tranquil at all times.

Here's one page from the photo site I have used for printing my own "maps", before I found a really good commercially available map of the area.

http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/aerial_photos/l/lx3d2_1994ir.html

The way that website works is not immediately apparent, but it's not too difficult to figure out. For preliminary browsing, standard air-photo sites give a clearer idea what's the area is like.

Have fun!

  The Missouri
  Posted by: alan_gage on Jul-11-12 3:56 PM (EST)

Depending on what kind of water you're looking to paddle you might be interested in paddling the Missouri below the dam at Yankton, SD. It's actually a national park and one of the few stretches of river left that's supposed to be somewhat close to its natural state. It's wide, twisty, and has LOTS of sand bars. Much of the rest of the Missouri along there is reservoirs or channelized.

Some rarish birds, if you're into that sort of thing, rely on that stretch for the habitat of sand bars (Piping Plover and Least Tern).

I'm in between your scheduled stopping points (Estherville, IA, about 20 miles south of I-90) but would be happy to show you some paddling spots around here if you decide to have a short driving day. Nice river flows through town (which may or may not have water when you're coming through) and some really nice lakes nearby.

Alan

  En route
  Posted by: Booztalkin on Jul-12-12 11:24 PM (EST)

Dipped a paddle in Lake Erie today, and hope to paddle on the Miss. tomorrow. GBG, I think I am going to stick with Brownsville, just because it is closer to I-90.

Alan, PM coming.

~~Chip

  Paddling I-90 Pond Near You?
  Posted by: robcasey on Jul-14-12 1:16 AM (EST)

When you eventually get to the NW, some tips..

- check out my recently released book, "Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands" by Mountaineers Books. It'll assist with Vancouver Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca (part of), etc.

- 2nd book to get - Paddle Routes of the Inland NW, also by Mountaineers Books. it's my inland bible. covers flat and rivers.

back to the I-90..
- Lake Coeur D'alene, Idaho (the town of cda is an active spot, cool town).
- at Moses Lake, WA head north 20m to Dry Falls St Pk - Utah like canyonlands, deep canyons, etc.
- Vantage, WA - paddle up the Columbia through the canyons if the wind is good.
- Yakima, WA - float the class 1 Yakima River Canyon, def worth it.
- when you hit puget sound (end of I-90) give me a holler for a paddle. we surf freigther waves in PSound.

safe travels, RC

  Thanks
  Posted by: Booztalkin on Jul-17-12 9:31 AM (EST)

Thanks for listing those paddling spots, Rob. I hope to hit one or more.

~~Chip

  Yellowstone
  Posted by: Glenn_MacGrady on Jul-15-12 12:50 AM (EST)

I did a day trip in Yellowstone in early August -- Lewis Lake (elevation 7800') up the Lewis River to Shoshone Lake. You can camp at Shoshone overnight. It didn't look crowded to me and I don't think I saw another boat, but I wasn't checking the campsite situation for the day trip.

Here's a pic of me going up the river taken by a Yellowstone Park Ranger. He said I was the first and only outrigger paddler he'd seen in Yellowstone in his 25 years.

https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3Z-5q6mt3LY/THPz84QtK9I/AAAAAAAAA-w/VrE0ED95U1A/s640/Yellowstone%20Lewis%20River.jpg

  Permits
  Posted by: Booztalkin on Jul-17-12 9:27 AM (EST)

I was hoping to get an evening paddle in last night after arriving in Grand Teton. Instead, spent the time trying to comply with the parks invasive species rules. Apparently, I was supposed to have the boat inspected when I got here. You'd think that would have been mentioned at the entry gate, especially since I asked about boating, not to mention sea kayak on the roof. Then while getting a back country permit I heard about boat permits. $10. And I had to sign a document saying I'd comply with the rules on preventing spread of invasive species. How to do that? Ask at the Marina.

At the marina, they are unable to tell me the procedure for cleaning the boat. But they do insist I need to buy a $15 certification that the boat is in compliance with the unknown process.

The gas station at Jackson Lodge was closed. But the left their hose on. I washed the boat inside and out. I removed the hatches and and will let the boat dry until I finish hike tomorrow. I think that should do it. The good news is, it's the same drill for Yellowstone, and the permits are good over there.

I read through TRs on places to paddle, and don't remember reading about this goat rope. Maybe the rules are new.

I hate to say it, but it seems inevitable the lakes will lose this battle. How can they expect every power boat and jet ski to be pristinely clean, especially given the lack of environmental concern by many of the power boating, Bubba types? And even if boats are clean, what about gear? My hand bilge pump, sponge, and always somewhat nasty booties, for example.

~~Chip

  Lake Erie
  Posted by: emanoh on Jul-24-12 1:09 AM (EST)

If you're coming back through Ohio, look me up for a paddle through the islands in the western basin of Lake Erie. 45 miles east of Toledo. Send me a PM.

Emanoh

  Riverside Kayak Connection
  Posted by: emanoh on Jul-24-12 3:24 PM (EST)

Check out the Riverside Kayak Connection website. They have some really cool guided tours through and around Detroit. The drive is not far if you're passing through Toledo on the turnpike.

  Lake Erie
  Posted by: Coulter on Aug-08-12 9:22 PM (EST)

I live 10 minutes from Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay in Pennsylvania. Give me a holler if you want to stop by. I-90 is only 15-20 minutes from some great paddling.

Steve

  Thanks, all! Trip done.
  Posted by: booztalkin on Sep-02-12 2:16 AM (EST)

I've returned home after 50 days of traveling, ostensibly to take a week-long kayaking trip from Kyoquot Sound on the West coast of Vancouver Island.

I greatly appreciated advice and offers to paddle that p-netters gave. Thanks All.

Sadly, did not get to meet up with any new p-net folks. Topher took me out on Trinidad Bay. I was impressed by Trinidad Bay's sea stacks and stone cliff faces.

The trip in BC was awesome.

In between stops at 16 National Park/Monuments I dipped paddles in:
Lake Erie, East Harbor, OH
Mississippi River, La Cross, WI
Missouri River, Chamberlain, SD
Jenny Lake, Grand Teton NP
Lewis Lake, Lewis River, Shoshone Lake, Yellowstone NP
Lake Couer D'Alene, ID
Lake Tahoe, CA
Buck Creek Reservoir, OH

Sadly, did not paddle with p-netters on the way out. My kayak had leaky bulkheads and I decided to condense my trip out, get there early and hope I could find somebody to fix the boat, or get materials and fix it myself. I was lucky to find Sterling Kayak and Fiberglass in Bellingham, WA. Sterling did a great job identifying the problem and fixing the kayak. Plus just meeting Sterling Daniels and Chris Mitchell was interesting. A tour of the production facility was an added bonus.

I regret not paddling Lake Powell. I didn't think I had time to get to any of the interesting stuff, but on a ferry ride across it looked like there were little inlets and canyons within a few miles of Bullfrog.

I drove 9,850 miles, and took about ten hikes.

I had a very nice trip and wanted to follow up and thank everybody for contributing. TRs will be along eventually. I'll post 'em to discussions forum.

Thanks,
~~Chip

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	Missippi River Posted by: guideboatguy on Jul-09-12 12:53 PM (EST)
	Hey Chip, it's not likely that your timing would be right that I could join you, but I thought I'd mention that the part of the Mississippi River a very short distance south of your "target town" is an especially nice place. A rough guesstimate is that there's nearly 100 miles of navigable backwater channels along the ten-mile stretch of river below the dam at Genoa, Wisconsin. The main channel will be busy on weekends with speedboats, but secondary and smaller channels are pretty tranquil at all times. Here's one page from the photo site I have used for printing my own "maps", before I found a really good commercially available map of the area. http://www.umesc.usgs.gov/aerial_photos/l/lx3d2_1994ir.html The way that website works is not immediately apparent, but it's not too difficult to figure out. For preliminary browsing, standard air-photo sites give a clearer idea what's the area is like. Have fun!

	The Missouri Posted by: alan_gage on Jul-11-12 3:56 PM (EST)
	Depending on what kind of water you're looking to paddle you might be interested in paddling the Missouri below the dam at Yankton, SD. It's actually a national park and one of the few stretches of river left that's supposed to be somewhat close to its natural state. It's wide, twisty, and has LOTS of sand bars. Much of the rest of the Missouri along there is reservoirs or channelized. Some rarish birds, if you're into that sort of thing, rely on that stretch for the habitat of sand bars (Piping Plover and Least Tern). I'm in between your scheduled stopping points (Estherville, IA, about 20 miles south of I-90) but would be happy to show you some paddling spots around here if you decide to have a short driving day. Nice river flows through town (which may or may not have water when you're coming through) and some really nice lakes nearby. Alan

	En route Posted by: Booztalkin on Jul-12-12 11:24 PM (EST)
	Dipped a paddle in Lake Erie today, and hope to paddle on the Miss. tomorrow. GBG, I think I am going to stick with Brownsville, just because it is closer to I-90. Alan, PM coming. ~~Chip

	Paddling I-90 Pond Near You? Posted by: robcasey on Jul-14-12 1:16 AM (EST)
	When you eventually get to the NW, some tips.. - check out my recently released book, "Kayaking Puget Sound, the San Juans, and Gulf Islands" by Mountaineers Books. It'll assist with Vancouver Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca (part of), etc. - 2nd book to get - Paddle Routes of the Inland NW, also by Mountaineers Books. it's my inland bible. covers flat and rivers. back to the I-90.. - Lake Coeur D'alene, Idaho (the town of cda is an active spot, cool town). - at Moses Lake, WA head north 20m to Dry Falls St Pk - Utah like canyonlands, deep canyons, etc. - Vantage, WA - paddle up the Columbia through the canyons if the wind is good. - Yakima, WA - float the class 1 Yakima River Canyon, def worth it. - when you hit puget sound (end of I-90) give me a holler for a paddle. we surf freigther waves in PSound. safe travels, RC

	Thanks Posted by: Booztalkin on Jul-17-12 9:31 AM (EST)
	Thanks for listing those paddling spots, Rob. I hope to hit one or more. ~~Chip

	Yellowstone Posted by: Glenn_MacGrady on Jul-15-12 12:50 AM (EST)
	I did a day trip in Yellowstone in early August -- Lewis Lake (elevation 7800') up the Lewis River to Shoshone Lake. You can camp at Shoshone overnight. It didn't look crowded to me and I don't think I saw another boat, but I wasn't checking the campsite situation for the day trip. Here's a pic of me going up the river taken by a Yellowstone Park Ranger. He said I was the first and only outrigger paddler he'd seen in Yellowstone in his 25 years. https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-3Z-5q6mt3LY/THPz84QtK9I/AAAAAAAAA-w/VrE0ED95U1A/s640/Yellowstone%20Lewis%20River.jpg

	Permits Posted by: Booztalkin on Jul-17-12 9:27 AM (EST)
	I was hoping to get an evening paddle in last night after arriving in Grand Teton. Instead, spent the time trying to comply with the parks invasive species rules. Apparently, I was supposed to have the boat inspected when I got here. You'd think that would have been mentioned at the entry gate, especially since I asked about boating, not to mention sea kayak on the roof. Then while getting a back country permit I heard about boat permits. $10. And I had to sign a document saying I'd comply with the rules on preventing spread of invasive species. How to do that? Ask at the Marina. At the marina, they are unable to tell me the procedure for cleaning the boat. But they do insist I need to buy a $15 certification that the boat is in compliance with the unknown process. The gas station at Jackson Lodge was closed. But the left their hose on. I washed the boat inside and out. I removed the hatches and and will let the boat dry until I finish hike tomorrow. I think that should do it. The good news is, it's the same drill for Yellowstone, and the permits are good over there. I read through TRs on places to paddle, and don't remember reading about this goat rope. Maybe the rules are new. I hate to say it, but it seems inevitable the lakes will lose this battle. How can they expect every power boat and jet ski to be pristinely clean, especially given the lack of environmental concern by many of the power boating, Bubba types? And even if boats are clean, what about gear? My hand bilge pump, sponge, and always somewhat nasty booties, for example. ~~Chip

	Lake Erie Posted by: emanoh on Jul-24-12 1:09 AM (EST)
	If you're coming back through Ohio, look me up for a paddle through the islands in the western basin of Lake Erie. 45 miles east of Toledo. Send me a PM. Emanoh

	Riverside Kayak Connection Posted by: emanoh on Jul-24-12 3:24 PM (EST)
	Check out the Riverside Kayak Connection website. They have some really cool guided tours through and around Detroit. The drive is not far if you're passing through Toledo on the turnpike.

	Lake Erie Posted by: Coulter on Aug-08-12 9:22 PM (EST)
	I live 10 minutes from Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay in Pennsylvania. Give me a holler if you want to stop by. I-90 is only 15-20 minutes from some great paddling. Steve

	Thanks, all! Trip done. Posted by: booztalkin on Sep-02-12 2:16 AM (EST)
	I've returned home after 50 days of traveling, ostensibly to take a week-long kayaking trip from Kyoquot Sound on the West coast of Vancouver Island. I greatly appreciated advice and offers to paddle that p-netters gave. Thanks All. Sadly, did not get to meet up with any new p-net folks. Topher took me out on Trinidad Bay. I was impressed by Trinidad Bay's sea stacks and stone cliff faces. The trip in BC was awesome. In between stops at 16 National Park/Monuments I dipped paddles in: Lake Erie, East Harbor, OH Mississippi River, La Cross, WI Missouri River, Chamberlain, SD Jenny Lake, Grand Teton NP Lewis Lake, Lewis River, Shoshone Lake, Yellowstone NP Lake Couer D'Alene, ID Lake Tahoe, CA Buck Creek Reservoir, OH Sadly, did not paddle with p-netters on the way out. My kayak had leaky bulkheads and I decided to condense my trip out, get there early and hope I could find somebody to fix the boat, or get materials and fix it myself. I was lucky to find Sterling Kayak and Fiberglass in Bellingham, WA. Sterling did a great job identifying the problem and fixing the kayak. Plus just meeting Sterling Daniels and Chris Mitchell was interesting. A tour of the production facility was an added bonus. I regret not paddling Lake Powell. I didn't think I had time to get to any of the interesting stuff, but on a ferry ride across it looked like there were little inlets and canyons within a few miles of Bullfrog. I drove 9,850 miles, and took about ten hikes. I had a very nice trip and wanted to follow up and thank everybody for contributing. TRs will be along eventually. I'll post 'em to discussions forum. Thanks, ~~Chip