Waterfowl, including pelicans, on Bybee Lake in the summer (bobcat)

• Hikes to this destination:
  • Smith and Bybee Lakes Hike   (TH | <—   —> | LOG)

• Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
• Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
• Latitude, Longitude: 45.61845, -122.73488
• Elevation: 10 feet

Description

Bybee Lake lies mostly within the Smith and Bybee Lakes Wetlands Natural Area. The area is on the site of the former St. John's Landfill. Bybee Lake has a more fluctuating water level than Smith Lake, the level being controlled to imitate the natural flooding of yore. In summer, the low water level yields a concentration of food for hungry pelicans, egrets, herons, grebes, and ducks.

Typical flood zone plants, such as knotweed and wapato thrive here. Unfortunately, the low water levels have also given rise to some aquatic and riparian invasives, such as reed canary-grass, water primrose, and parrot-leaf.

More Links

• "Smith and Bybee Lakes, Oregon" (The Columbia River: A Photographic Journey)
• "Scientists attempt to mimic nature at Portland's Smith and Bybee lakes" (Oregon Live)

Contributors

• bobcat (creator)