Scorton Creek in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

I got in a little solo paddling this weekend. The water was cool but comfortable, the wind on the Cape as always was present but manageable. It's important to remember to check the tide as this is not the place to get stranded without water. I dropped the yak in about 1 hour prior to high tide, rode the last of the tide in and the current coming back was mild enough to just remind you werent paddling on a pond. However, it was a great 2.5 hours of enjoyable paddling. Plenty of birds to see, lovely marsh land you can see some aquatic life.

There were a few paddlers that morning so the lot was pretty full by the time I returned just shy of noon time so unloading from the water and mounting it on the SUV was kind of difficult. Park as close to the loading area as you possibly can. I highly suggest when you pull into the lot, keep to your left towards the alcove of trees you will see where you can get in the water otherwise it's a difficult portage due to all the parked cars and steep embankments on the right side. People tend to complain when you whack their Land Rover with your kayak. All and all, a good time had.

Accommodations:

None.

Fees:

Free thanks to the generous donations of the locals, the Fisheries division and Orvis.

Directions:

Take Route 6 to exit 3, head toward 6A at the intersection with the blinking light take a RIGHT drive maybe a mile, you will see a car dealer (Premier Jeep) on your left take the next right (before the bridge). This leads to a bumpy barely paved road (take caution to traffic coming towards you as it is only wide enough for 1 1/2 cars. They are supposed to be repairing the road on 8/30. To get to the ocean side, follow the same info as above except after your right onto 6A you will turn left at the Tedeschi/ Dunkin Donuts and travel down that road while keeping to the left until you get to the intersection (forms a T) take a right and travel all the way to the end and there is a right turn that looks like a driveway but it wraps around the houses along the back. There is the loading area. Take serious warning, the rip there is VERY tough and it will suck you out into the Scorton harbor and getting back in is nearly impossible even for the best Yaker. This is why I prefer the Marsh launch.

Launches:

Put in's, I personally suggest the Marsh area as it is an easy in and out although the ocean end can be easy but take warning you should have 4wd as it can get sticky in the sand. Remember, the beach launch is a sandy beach portage and tough Riptide area.

Resources:

AMC and Cape Cod Kayak adventures.