Steinhagen, Martin Dies SP C
Steinhagen. This is another paddle route up into the Angelina and Neches River starting from the Martin Dies State Park boat launch. This route initially hugs the east shore of the lake before entering the swamps. How close you can to the shore get depends on the level of salvinia, hydrilla etc. The route then works its way north and explores the tangle of channels on the east side of the Angelina river. This area is confusing and it takes time to sort out the intersecting channels. Some look like they could go further but they terminate, usually due to salvinia overgrowth. And there are alligators in the weeds. You think nothing is nearby, then the water surges, rolls, heaves, and a big gator moves. Takes some getting used to. After a couple short portages the route reaches the Angelina River, goes south a bit, and splits into a little known channel that winds down to the reservoir.
30.86252,-94.18278
Launch Site Google Maps Link
Above: Sunset on Steinhagen Reservoir.
Above: Some of the channels go for a ways then get clogged.
Above: Like this and worse.
Above: gator.
Above: The walkbridge seen from the kayak launch at Martin Dies.