Sabinal River in Texas

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

We did the Sabinal in a canoe, put in 3.5 miles above the last bridge crossing at the middle bridge south of Utopia. it has been 3 weeks since the flood and the water was in excellent condition. Flow was about 300 cfs which seemed reasonable. Average flow for this stream is less than 100 cfs. Well, there are so many downed and submerged trees that we almost lost our canoe twice. It got pinned 3 times and once went under in about 6 ft of water and was taking the full force of the current which badly bent it by the time we managed to free it from the tree. That was very tricky. We later noticed another canoe and rowboat which were completely wrapped around cypress trunks about 20 feet above us from the flood! All I can say is that river is very wild and scenic but be careful of the strainers and flood debris!!! By the way we had to paddle back in the dark, and the canoe was leaking from a little crack it had sustained...

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Intermediate
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location