The Smith and Bybee Lakes area is the nation’s largest urban freshwater wetland. Tucked into North Portland’s industrial area, this is perhaps the best place to spot birds within the city. The lakes combine to make around 200 acres of explorable but shallow paddling. As a result, these lakes are generally better to explore in winter through early summer.
County: Multnomah
Put-in: Near the end of the road, past the restrooms
Takeout: Same as put-in
Distance: Self-dependent
Float time: Self-dependent
Difficulty rating: Easy
Rapids: None
Waterway type: Lakes
Current: None
River gradient: N/A
River gauge: N/A
Land status: City park
Nearest town: Portland
Boats used: Canoe or kayak
Seasons: Best in spring and winter
Fees and permits: None
Schedule: 24/7
Maps: Oregon Road & Recreation Atlas: Page 106 B3
Getting there: From downtown Portland, take I-5 North to exit 307 for Marine Drive. Turn right onto Marine Drive and continue just under 1 mile to the Smith and Bybee Wetlands Natural Area parking lot, on the left. Drive past the restrooms to a small pullout near a barricade at the end of the road. Follow the marked path down to the lake. GPS: N45° 36.759' / W122° 42.794'
The Paddle
Hidden in the middle of the warehouses and port terminals of the North Portland peninsula, the Smith and Bybee Wetlands are home to several wildlife species, including some you might not expect. Bald eagles, beavers, and one of the last remaining large populations of western painted turtles in Oregon all reside in the wetlands. A long list of the usual suspects also call the natural area home, including black-tailed deer and an ever-changing lineup of seasonal birds.
The trail leading to the put-in on Smith Lake
With more than 200 acres of interconnected lakes and channels that don’t allow motorboats and the semi-secluded location, you’re pretty much guaranteed a peaceful paddle. From the put-in, the area is your oyster. But navigation can be a bit tricky, so take note of your surroundings once on the water if you’d like to find your way out.
Water levels vary greatly by season, from flood-level stage in late winter to muddy bog in late summer. In fact, paddling might not even be possible by the end of summer. Your best bet is to head out anytime in spring or winter, which both happen to offer excellent wildlife viewing as well. The paddling here is easy and self-guided. Depending on water levels, it is possible to make your way from Smith Lake into Bybee Lake.
For many, peace and birds are the main attractions here. You may see the occasional plane from PDX or a truck heading down Marine Drive, but in terms of an urban paddle, this is about as peaceful as you’re going to get. It sometimes seems as though nobody knows the natural area is here. It’s vast, and motorized engines are not allowed on the lakes, making them all the more inviting for paddlers.
The Smith and Bybee Lakes are a prime spot if don’t have a lot of time but still want a quality paddle in nature. If you’re on a time crunch, North Portland isn’t that far away, no matter what your friends living in Inner Southeast say. And if you’re into wildlife, particularly birds, this spot is one of Portland’s birding meccas.
Local Information
Post-paddle food and drink: In St Johns, check out Slim’s Cocktail Bar & Restaurant, 8635 N Lombard St, or Thai Cottage, 8620 N Lombard St.