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No matter your party affiliation there's little doubt we will all need some down time following the election day madness. A restorative yoga or kick boxing class would help to relieve pent up anxiety but then again, so would something as simple as a walk in nature. While Forest Park offers that rich rain forest ambiance, I've found Smith & Bybee Lakes to be an incredibly calming sanctuary, and at sunset with the autumn leaves in every shade of yellow, it's truly magical.
Local bird watchers like to think of it as the area's best kept secret. They could be right, it's not unusual to be the only person there, any time of year. Located near the confluence of the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, a couple miles east of Kelly Point Park, Smith & Bybee Wetlands is a little over 2000 acres and one of the largest urban freshwater wetlands in the U.S. It not only functions as a flood absorption system for the Columbia River, but also provides a protected wetland habitat for 100 species of birds, as well as beavers, western painted turtles, deer and an assortment of other critters.
Canoeing and kayaking are allowed on the lakes but a walk along the paths to the two main viewing platforms—one on Smith and the other on Bybee—are a must do and highly recommended at evening.
Friends of Smith & Bybee Lakes is a non-profit group dedicated to the care of wetlands. They do offer a few educational and recreational activities, including a couple guided paddle tours in the coming months. Check out their website for more information on the events, the wetlands, and directions.
