On Saturday 8/17 we did a nice paddle on the San Bernard River at Bates Allen Park. For the unfamiliar, that’s about 42 miles SW of Houston. Conditions were HOT at 101 and humid. Fortunately there was ample shade and an occasional light breeze. There were 11 folks in 10 boats, lead by yours truly. Out and back 9:30-3:00.
The put-in is at a spot often called the Blue Hole…probably because of the reflected sky on a clear day or it’s depth, but surely not for it’s normal brown water classic of spots around Houston. Nevertheless, it’s still a beautiful and inviting place.
San Bernard Blue Hole On the Ramp. Credit Natalie W.
It’s been either feast or famine with water levels this year. After recent storms and floods, San
Bernard gauges, recorded crests over 17 feet at East Bernard EBBT2 and over 20 at Boling BOLT2 . It’s best out there if you can catch it around 8+ ft at EBBT2. Back on 4/29/23, we paddled it at 11.3 and it was awesome. On Saturday all we had was about 6.5 ft. (2.91 at Boling), but that was plenty for our nice little 6 mile jaunt.
We started out heading south (downstream). Negligible current. The highlight about a mile down on river left is the “Very Big Ancient Tree”, an estimated over 1,000 year-old giant Cypress. It must have been really peaceful out there back in the year 1024! Still is.
The beautiful West Trib (Tire Trib) is just a bit further down on the right. Unfortunately, it was just too shallow to get in there on this day. We continued south where the river narrows considerably and storm debris began to be a problem. Finally we reached a downed tree that would have required chain saws to get through. Time to head back to the put-in for lunch.
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Afterward we headed north for about 2 miles. With the low water, the rocky spot just before I-69 presented some trouble. But Tom and Bob jumped out and thankfully pushed all the offenders aside creating a nice clear path which will be fondly remembered as the T&B Channel! From there it was relatively clear sailing. Although in narrow spots, the storm debris caused us some serious energy-sapping slogging (pic credit Natalie W.). Finally we were completely stopped again by another major fallen tree blockage and decided to call it quits. Plenty worn out but very satisfied with our good paddle, we took out around 3pm.
Another great day on the water!