DDRC River Trip Description

Join us as we spend the weekend exploring the paddle trails on Big Cypress Bayou. We will be camping at Backwater Jacks, which offers both tent and RV camping and they also have riverfront cabins available as well. Right in front of Backwater Jacks on the river are three very nice paddle trails or we can paddle all the way down to Caddo Lake.

We will start with a "happy hour" get together on Friday evening and maybe a night paddle on one of the trails.

More paddling on Saturday and in the evening we will have a potluck dinner.

Gear Requirements:

Just about any canoe or kayak will fine on these flatwater trails, PFD's (lifejackets), paddles (a spare is recommended), a whistle or other signalling device, A small cooler for drinks and lunches to be carried in your boat would be recommended.

Canoe Rentals:

Canoes can be rented at Backwater Jacks, but a limited number is available, so you may want to call ahead and reserve.

Meals:

Bring your own meals. We will have a potluck dinner on Saturday evening. Bring plenty of beverages, but remember - NO GLASS OR FOAM POLYSTYRENE STYROFOAM CONTAINERS!

Driving Directions:

From Dallas: Take IH-20 East to Marshall. Exit onto US Hwy 59, and then turn left (North). Follow US Highway 59 north through Marshall past US Highway 80. Take FM RD 1793 (right). Stay on FM RD 1793 until you will come to the intersection of FM1793 / FM 134 (about 8 miles). Take a right on FM 134 (south). Travel about 2 miles you will come to a “S” curve with railroad tracks in the middle of the curve. (You will know it when you see it!). The blacktop road to your left is Long’s Camp RD. Come down it until you see the river. If you get wet you went too far.

ALTERNATE: Take IH-20 East to Marshall. Exit onto US Hwy 59, and then turn left (North). Follow US Highway 59 north through Marshall past US Highway 80. You can also take Hwy 43 East toward Karnack / Caddo Lake. Stay on Hwy 43 until you see the FM RD 134 / FM 449 RD intersection. (about 15 miles) Turn Left onto FM 134. Less than 4 miles you will see the railroad tracks and “S” curve. Longs Camp RD is before the tracks to your right. Stop when you see the river.

Class I: Easy. Fast moving water with riffles and small waves. Few obstructions, all obvious and easily missed with little training. Risk to swimmers is slight, self-rescue is easy.

Class II: Novice. Straightforward rapids with wide, clear channels which are evident without scouting. Occasional maneuvering may be required, but rocks and medium sized waves are easily missed by trained paddlers. Swimmers are seldom injured and group assistance, while helpful, is seldom needed.

Class III: Intermediate. Rapids with moderate, irregular waves which may be difficult to avoid and which can swamp an open canoe. Complex maneuvers in fast current and good boat control in tight passages or around ledges are often required; large waves or strainers may be present but are easily avoided. Strong eddies and powerful current effects can be found, particularly on large-volume rivers. Scouting is advisable for inexperienced parties. Injuries while swimming are rare; self-rescue is usually easy but group assistance may be required to avoid long swims.

Class IV: Advanced. Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat handling in turbulent water. Depending on the character of the river, it may feature large, unavoidable waves and holes or constricted passages demanding fast maneuvers under pressure. A fast, reliable eddy turn may be needed to initiate maneuvers, scout rapids, or rest. Rapids may require "must" moves above dangerous hazards. Scouting is necessary the first time down. Risk of injury to swimmers is moderate to high, and water conditions may make self-rescue difficult. Group assistance for rescue is often essential but requires practiced skills. A strong eskimo roll is highly recommended.

Class V: Expert. Extremely long, obstructed, or very violent rapids which expose a paddler to above average endangerment. Drops may contain large, unavoidable waves and holes or steep, congested chutes with complex, demanding routes. Rapids may continue for long distances between pools, demanding a high level of fitness. What eddies exist may be small, turbulent, or difficult to reach. At the high end of the scale, several of these factors may be combined. Scouting is mandatory but often difficult. Swims are dangerous, and rescue is difficult even for experts. A very reliable eskimo roll, proper equipment, extensive experience, and practiced rescue skills are essential for survival.

Class VI: Extreme. One grade more difficult than Class V. These runs often exemplify the extremes of difficulty, unpredictability and danger. The consequences of errors are very severe and rescue may be impossible. For teams of experts only, at favorable water levels, after close personal inspection and taking all precautions. This class does not represent drops thought to be unrunnable, but may include rapids which are only occasionally run.

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Last updated October 14, 2019 12:02 PM


Date: March 20-22, 2019	Sponsor: DDRC
River: Big Cyprus Bayou / Caddo Lake	Trip Leader: Dale Harris
Reach: TBD	Phone: 972-814-2633
Difficulty: Class I (flatwater)	E-mail: Dale Harris
Rendezvous: Backwater Jacks, Friday 5pm	Required Skills: Basic flatwater paddling
Campground: Backwater Jacks, Karnack, TX