Islais Creek to Mission Creek
Summary: Paddling the urban industrial landscape, part II. This paddle is about 7 miles round trip but doesn't seem like it because it's broken up into lots of short legs. There's lots to see if you're into docks, cranes, pilings, piers, large grey ships, rust, etc. At low tides, the adventurous can discover short cuts underneath the piers into strange worlds that reminded me of the Pirates of the Caribbean. For lunch, just south of the Mission Rock Terminal there's a friendly low-key yacht club (with bathrooms) and a street-side park with a couple of benches.
Level of Difficulty: This is a very mellow paddle, usually sheltered from the prevailing westerlies. Occasionally you'll encounter some wake. The hardest thing about this paddle is carrying your boat around the idiotic dog-legged ramp down to the water at Islais Creek. Or you can do a sucking mud launch instead.
Special Cautions: Don't drink the water! Watch out for submerged pilings! Make sure your tetanus shots are up to date! If there's a game on at Pac Bell Park, McCovey Cove (the entrance to Mission Creek) will be crowded with boaters. And as you turn into the Cove, you can imagine, just for a moment, that the cheers are for you.
Directions to launch site: From the 101 or the 280, exit Cesar Chavez (Army) then head east until you get to 3rd St. Turn right and head south. After 0.25 miles you'll cross the steel bridge that spans Islais Creek, turn right and you'll be at the put in. A lot of effort has been spent in cleaning up this little area and there's a notice board that describes the history of the area. On weekends the outrigger folks (who have a little fenced-off area for boat storage) may be working there and if you ask them nicely they'll let you use their porta-potty. Otherwise there are no facilities here! After the paddle, head north to The Ramp restaurant (at Mariposa and Illinois) for burgers and beer - but beware, the kitchen closes at 4pm.
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