North Pass - Pass Manchac in Louisiana

Trip Overview

Put in kayaks at Manchac boat ramp alongside I-55. Headed East in North Pass under route 51 and RR bridge (very low bridges). Mild day, high of about 60, with light variable winds and flood tide. We passed few camps at this end of pass. Paddled east passing some very inviting bayous entering the pass.

About 1/2 mile or so in we turned south into one with a large opening and encountered Nutria, herons, hawks, ducks, a large owl and many boat-tailed grackels. This bayou "tees" and we went both right and left as tide was high. Coming back out we again turned east and followed pass, encountering one young alligator.

This is a brackish swamp and is very pretty in early spring when many bayous and fresh water swamps here are still under winters spell and uninviting. We continued until we merged with Suth Pass and entered Lake Ponchatrain. This end is becoming very developed and had some boat traffic. Turing around we headed west back to the boat ramp.

This is a FULL day trip, covering about 16 miles, more or less depending on how far you go and what bayous you wish to explore. So leave early. Recommend spring trip or weekday trip if going all the way to Lake Ponchatrain as boat traffic can be heavy in summer. Watch your winds as it can howl thru the passes. Bring lunch with you and plenty of water.

After paddling, dinner at Middendorfs just down the road is fantastic!
Boat ramp has Sheriffs trailer and lights if you come in after dark.

Accommodations:

Large boat ramp. Sheriffs trailer and lights.
Midddendorfs restaurant is south of ramp.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Take I-55 to Manchac exit. If coming from North, turn left at end of ramp and left again at stop sign. Look to your left for entrance to boat ramp-notice cell tower at ramp.