Put in at the boat ramp on the Intracoastal Canal on FM 2918, paddle 1/4 mile in the ICC, then downstream in the San Bernard River. Check out the mouth of the river, then paddle as far westward as we can go into the protected lagoon that was formerly the river channel. Land on the backside of the beach and walk over to the Gulf to relax and beach comb, and have lunch. (This is not a surfing trip - we will most likely not even get our boats on the beach.) Configuration of the sand here changes continually so we will have to paddle wherever the water happens to be. We'll spend our time in the lagoon and on the beautiful beach. This is the best beach on the Upper Texas Coast and we almost always have had it to ourselves. Total paddling distance will be about 8 miles. It's a pretty easy paddle but will might have some current in the river and is partially open to the wind. The Intracoastal Canal has major boat traffic (enormous barges) and we will give them plenty of room.
This is a poke-around exploratory trip to see what the configuration of the river mouth is now. The San Bernard was re-opened to the Gulf by Army Corps of Engineers by dredging in 2009. That cut has alrteady sanded up and the river flows into the ICW rather than the Gulf. It's an unusual and interesting place. We can walk on a nice beach as much or little as we wish. If we have time, we might explore a coastal lake or two a mile or so upriver on the San Bernard.
Directions to the Put-in: For Google Maps driving directions, enter FM 2918 Boat Ramp, FM 2918, Brazoria, TX Lat - lon of the put-in is 28°52'8.0364"N, 95° 26'56.5728"W
Take 288 South from Houston toward Lake Jackson, turn right on Hwy 2004 (2004 turns into 2611 as you go past hwy 36); travel SW for about 11 miles; where 2611 turns NW, turn left onto 2918 (you will still be headed SW, 2918 turns SE in about 0.5 miles). Stay on 2918 till you arrive at the boat launch. It’s about 10 miles from 2611. The put-in is about 70 miles from downtown Houston. Parking is good at the put-in but note that there are no "facilities" at the put-in, indeed nary a bush. There is a three-star Texaco on FM 2004 just west of Hwy 288 and a couple of unrated (shabby) establishments a few miles farther down the road. It's a good 1 3/4 - 2 hours from Houston so leave yourself plenty of time.
Hazards: Boat traffic on the Intracoastal canal, some of which is enormous. We will give it lots of room. Current and small boat traffic in the main river channel, then none in the lagoon. Otherwise, dehydration, fire ants, mosquitos, rattlesnakes, stingrays (shuffle your feet in the lagoon). Boat ramp can be slippery. Bring lunch, adequate water, sun protection, and a change of clothes in case you fall in.
| Trip Leader |
Carl Kuhnen
|
| Trip Assistants |
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| Trip Rating* |
2 |
| Ready to Launch at |
9:30 a.m. |
| Duration (hours) |
5 |
| Paddling Miles |
8 |
| Emergency Initiator |
|
| Emergency Phone #s |
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| Latest Expected Return |
5 p.m. |
| Auto Description/Lic # |
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| Distance from Houston |
90 miles |
* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. Every participant must wear a PFD and sign a HASK/ACA Waiver. Click on link below to print out the waiver. Please complete prior to the trip so we can all get on the water a little quicker. HASK members who have provided a waiver to the HASK Membership Director within the last year do not need to complete a waiver.
o ACA Waiver - Adult
o ACA Waiver - Minor