The Mud Lake Bayou Loop 5/13/23. After weeks of anticipation, coordinating schedules and wishing on the weather, we finally pulled off this iconic paddle in good fashion. Many thanks to all our eager participants, and special gratitude to Natalie W. (my co-leader) and all our helpers! Total 19 folks in 17 boats!
Organized chaos at the put in (photo by Christy Long)
This is a special paddle in so many ways….it offers unparalleled variety involving at least 6 different venues. Plus, it traverses what I think of as the true inner sanctum of the Trinity Basin cypress swamp…incredibly peaceful, beautiful and dynamic. Nature at its best!
Getting off the boat ramp and into the Trinity River (photo by Christy Long)
Mud Lake Bayou (MLB), is the main attraction with its many twists and turns and duckweed-covered channels. Connecting Lake Miller to Mud Lake, it can be reached either from Cedar Hill Park via Lake Charlotte and Mud Lake or from the Trinity River via Lake Pass and Lake Miller. On this occasion, we chose the latter, putting-in at the west bank boat ramp under the Trinity Bridge. In my opinion, this is the more scenic route in that it features beautiful Lake Pass with its long archway of tall trees…. the Cathedral. Additionally, it offers one of the prettiest lunch spots down on the uniquely clear water South Channel of Lake Miller.
Lake Pass Return, Swamp Ghost (photo by Joe Coker)
After some last-minute consternation, we were so lucky to have overall great conditions. The weather cooperated with mostly cloudy skies, winds E to SE 12-14, temps in the low 80’s and just a brief cooling light shower at the very end of the day. The Lake Charlotte gauge was at an adequate 9.5 ft. The Trinity was easily maneuvered at 15.8 ft and 10,500 cfs. All good!
Small Gator, South Channel (photo by Joe Coker)
Following is the trip route with approximate distances:
— Trinity River west bank put-in upstream to Lake Pass entrance (0.59 mi)
— Lake Pass to Lake Miller (1.58 mi)
— down to the southeast end South Channel (0.7 mi)
— back up across the lake to the Mud Lake Bayou (MLB) entrance (0.5 mi)
— MLB to Mud Lake (1.19 mi)
— Mud Lake to Lake Charlotte (.41 mi)
— to Lake Pass north entrance (0.62 mi)
— Lake Pass from Charlotte to the Trinity (2 mi)
— to west bank take-out (.59 mi).
Approx total as the crow flies: 8 miles. Total per gps: 10 miles.
Approx Trip Time: 7 hours. About 9:30-4:30.
Mud Pass Bayou (photo by Joe Coker)
Mud Lake Cypress (photo by Joe Coker
5/13/23 GPS credit Tom Douglas
Another great day on the water!
See albums here.
Lake Pass 5/13/22 Brandi Depew
MLB Loop 5/13/23-Credit David Portz
Lake Pass and into the Lake Charlotte cluster of lakes May 13, Christy Long