SH 12 to Gulf of Mexico Canoe Trip

This 37-mile section of the Sabine River in Newton and Orange Counties from SH 12 to the mouth of the river where it enters Sabine Lake is feasible for recreational use at all times. In the vicinity of IH-10 crossing, the river is approximately 300 feet wide. Below IH-10, the river is deep enough to allow passage of ocean-going vessels. The scenic qualities are excellent from SH 12 to IH-10. Below SH 12, the river divides into the main river, and Old River. Canoeists should follow the main river into Indian Bayou and back into the main river channel at Swift Lake. Big Island, a Louisiana wildlife management area, and Turner Island, on the Louisiana side, and the Blue Elbow Swamp WMA on the Texas side provide outstanding opportunities for further exploration in this section.
Put In: Launch at the boat ramp at SH 12.
Take-Out: Access is available for take-out at a private ramp at West Bluff road. Take-out at the public boat ramp at IH-10 on the Texas side at river mile 11. This is the last point for take-out. The river downstream is used by large boats, ships, and barges. Canoeing in this area should be done with caution and limited to the numerous bayous and marsh channels along the lower river shoreline.
County Maps: Newton and Orange: Texas County Maps
Texas/Louisiana Topographical Maps: Echo NW, Orange SW, Orangefield, West of Green Bayou NE, West of Green Bayou SE, Port Arthur SW, Texas Point NE: See Ordering U.S. Geological Survey Products

To address comments to the Sabine River Authority of Texas, please contact us.

http://www.sratx.org/basin/canoe_trips/trip05.asp

This page requested on 2/4/2012 at 8:43:20 AM CST