Potomac River

Advice
#1

Hi all!
This spring we are looking to kayak from Piscataway park to Mallows Bay. Does anyone have experience on that part of the River? I have a sit-on-top kayak that I take my dog on with me, so I tend to avoid rough waters. We have done the Susquehanna from Mayo to Duncannon and that was fine for us. The Potomac is much larger so I was hoping for some insight. Thanks!

#2

I know the area pretty well. At that point the Potomac is still a tidal estuary–as it remains until you get upstream just past Washington, DC. So no rapids.

  • Currents, including the tidal ebb/flow are pretty minimal.
  • Near Occoquan Bay, it widens out to a bit over 3 miles across, but otherwise its only 1 to 2 miles across, so with anything other than a straight north or straight south wind, the fetch is minimal; you might get some small chop but there’s not enough fetch for big wind waves.
  • There is a “danger area” off the eastern bank near Indian Head related to US Navy activities. See this link:
    eCFR :: 33 CFR 334.240 – Potomac River, Mattawoman Creek and Chicamuxen Creek; U.S. Naval Surface Weapons Center, Indian Head Division, Indian Head, Md.
  • I’d recommend getting the waterproof Maptech chart:
    Maptech Potomac River Chart 22 which has most of the information you’d need.
  • Water temps in the spring can be very cold depending on when you go, and even by May you’d still need cold water gear. This is probably the biggest risk.
  • As with any river, if there’s been a big rain dump, the river will rise and flow will increase. But that’s predictable and you shouldn’t be caught out by it.
#3

Paddle the Potomac often. Although tidal currents are not that strong, you are planning about a 25 mile trip. For this distance paddling with the tide and current will make a difference. With a strong north or south wind you can get waves approaching about 1.5’.

There is a free relatively undeveloped public launch at Farmington Landing on Piscataway Creek used mostly by kayaks and canoes. There may be a fee to launch at Washington Marina across the creek. If your boat has a composite hull do not use the roller ramp at Mallows Bay. It can cause severe damage to composite hulls. Use the beach instead.

There are quite a few places to get out of the boat along your route. Isolated beaches, parks, and paddle-in campsites.

I agree with OldEagle about the dangers of cold water. It’s not uncommon to have air temperatures in the 80s with water temperatures in the upper 40s in the Spring. Unfortunately people die every year from sudden cold water immersion and not wearing a PFD.

#4

Thanks for the advice! I really appreciate it. We are pretty equipped for the cold, we go out all through the winter, but I may leave my canine pal home for this one just incase. Thanks again!