Let's meet at 9:00 to launch at 9:30 am
Trip Description:
This is a beautiful remote route through a beautiful cypress and hardwood forest that will shelter us from the wind. We will launch under the bridge at FM1409 in the town of Old River - Winfree and paddle downstream on Old River for 1.6 miles, then east on The Cutoff channel and see if we can explore some of Little Caney Creek. We will continue east on The Cutoff to another channel that heads south to Lost Lake. We will have lunch on a shell midden, just as native peoples did many years ago. We will retrace our strokes back to the put-in. Total mileage will be 11 - 13 miles, depending on how far up Little Caney Creek we go. Place names here are both confusing and unimaginative, but at some point on this trip you may find yourself feeling both Old and Lost, and maybe even Cutoff.
Directions to the Put-in: From Houston
To get to the put-in from I-10 (exit 803 right before the Old and Lost River Bridge) take the FM 565 exit and go north on FM 565 3.5 miles to FM 1409. Turn right on FM 1409 and drive about 1/2 mile to the bridge over Old River. The put-in is on the right before you cross the river. Be careful of possible ruts and mud on the bank. Park where you can and we can haul the boats to the river bank. Bank will be muddy and slippery, so be careful putting and taking out. There are no facilities at all at the put-in but there are two gas stations at I-10 and FM 565
Please bring lunch and water and warm dry clothes in a dry bag and some form of illumination (waterproof light or headlamp) because our days are short.
Hazards: This is a Level 2 trip of about 11 - 13 miles. Possible hazards are the usual fire ants, alligators, snakes, and other critters, chilly air and water, sunburn, wind, slips and falls, boat traffic (minimal), etc. Air temperature is unknown at this point but the water will be chilly, so dress for possible immersion and carry at least one set of warm dry clothing (fleeces, space blankets, etc.) in a good dry bag in your hatch. Wear no cotton! The takeout is well-used and should be safe but the put-in is isolated and not very visible. Leave no valuables in your vehicle.
COVID Precautions: We will wear face masks and practice social distancing while we are on land and also avoid close contact while on the water. Please do not share food and drinks.
Trip Leader(s)
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Carl Kuhnen
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HASK Trip Rating*
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2 (For distance with low wind)
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Ready to Launch at
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9:30
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Duration (hours)
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5
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Paddling Miles
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11 - 13
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Emergency #s
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911
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Distance from Downtown Houston
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40 miles
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| 3rd Party fees (camping, etc.) |
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* Trip ratings are only a guide. Actual conditions will vary with wind and other weather.
This is an ACA sanctioned event. All participants in ACA-insured activities must wear properly-fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets (Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs) at all times during on-water activities. Non-HASK participants must sign a waiver.
Waivers - Please complete our easy to use online waiver if you are a HASK member who has not signed a waiver within the last 12 months or a non- HASK participant. Read the waiver carefully. You give up substantial rights when you sign it.
COVID-19 Waivers.
Use the link HASK COVID-19 Waiver to open the waiver in PDF form. Print off the form, sign it and either bring it to the event or scan and email to me at bill@ohsiesworld.net as an attachment. Other options are to take a photo of your waiver on your phone or scan using the Adobe Scan app and emailing or Text to Bill Ohsie.
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- Add Smartwaiver with email address “noreply@smartwaiver.com” to your address book to ensure emails do not go to junk/spam.
- Select a link below to complete the online waiver.
ACA-HASK Adult Waiver ACA-HASK Minor Waiver
- Respond to the “Confirm your E-Signature” email from ACA / HASK to confirm your email address. Wavier is now complete and valid.
- You will receive a confirmation email. Please download and print a copy of the waiver and bring it to the trip put-in.
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.