This is a level 2 paddle. Let's aim for wet paddles at 9:00 am.
We start and finish near Rollover Pass, which is named after the practice of smugglers rolling barrels of contraband liquor over the narrow part of the Bolivar Peninsula to avoid the authorities in Galveston. We paddle to the south shore of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) home to birds, gators, coyotes, other wildlife, and great views of East Bay. After the paddle we can eat at Stingaree's, which is just down the peninsula to the west.
We will put in at a boat ramp near Rollover Pass, right on the Intracoastal Waterway. We will immediately cross the ICW and head into East Bay. Depending on the winds and conditions, we will paddle east past Rollover Bay and along the spoil islands to Oyster Bayou on the southeastern tip on the ANWR. After a break there, we will paddle the southern shore of the ANWR to Frozen Point, and then cross the bay (approx. 1.8 miles) to an island across from our put-in, and then back across the ICW to our take-out. Our planned path is basically a large circle, traveling counter-clockwise. The trip length is approximately 10-12 miles.
Depending on the weather and winds at the time we put in, we may elect to reverse the route or eliminate the bay crossing. We will have some flexibility with route selection from this launch site so as to protect us from high winds if that should be the case.
From Houston to the put-in is approximately 76 total miles if you go through Houston and take the ferry across to Bolivar. After exiting the ferry, continue east on Highway 87 for 19.5 miles (included in the 76 total miles). Turn left at Yacht Basin Road and proceed .75 miles to the boat ramp put-in. If you do take this route through Galveston, please allow extra time for the ferry and the ferry wait in the early morning. If you miss one ferry, you will have to wait approximately 20 minutes for the next one.
A better route to the put-in is to head east from Houston on I10 to Winnie. Turn right and take highway 124 south to High Island. Pass through High Island and head onto the Bolivar Peninsula and take a right (or end up in the Gulf) onto highway 87. Head west along 87 for approximately 7 miles. You will cross over the low bridge at Rollover Pass and, after 1/2 mile, Yacht Basin Road will be on your right. Turn right and proceed .75 miles to the boat ramp put-in. One benefit of this route through Winnie and High Island is generally the traffic is better and you do not have to wait for the Galveston ferry.
Here is the put-in, located at 29 deg 30.926 min North, 94 deg, 30.749 min West. It is relatively free of oysters but can be slippery. There is good parking and a porta-potty. Bring sun screen and snacks and plenty of fluids.
The put-in is in Galveston County. Galveston County Sheriff - 409.766.2300.
We paddle to the ANWR, which is in Chambers County. Chambers County Sheriff - 409.267.6835.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. Every participant must wear a PFD.
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Guests – You are welcome to join us for a couple of paddle trips. HASK will cover the $5 ACA event membership for non-ACA members. Hopefully you will then join HASK and continue paddling with us.