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The Rivers of Southeast Texas  
Southeast Texas has more dozens of rivers and streams for the fisherman, skier, swimmer, or outdoor enthusiast. Three major river systems traverse Southeast Texas.  In all it makes us a wonderland of opportunities for the casual tourist or avid sports enthusiast.  We invite you to peruse the information below. 

Village Creek
Village Creek is a 63-mile long free flowing stream which rises near the Alabama Coushatta Indian Reservation and meanders southwesterly 69 miles to it junction with the Neches River.  Canoeing and fishing a popular sports.  Village Creek passes through the scenic 1000-acre Village Creek State Park and the Roy A. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary, a  Texas Nature Conservancy Preserve.  The stream is unique among the free flowing waters of Texas.  It retains its wild flavor -- nothwithstanding its nearness to urban areas -- that is really striking.  As canoes glide past its quiet forested banks, the aspect up ahead is ... snow white sandbars... more sandbars... then still more sandbars.

US 287 & 69 to US 96 (37 miles) Located in Hardin County between Village Mills and Silsbee, consisting of still or slow-moving water, the creek is normally 20 to 30 feet wide and is characterized by overhanging brush, limbs, and an occasional log jam. It provides an exciting float trip through a dense forest cover typical of the Big Thicket.

This section is noted for its outstanding scenery. Large baldcypress trees and fresh water swamps exist just yards back from the creek. Clear waters of the creek flow over white sand and gravel, and sand bars which often lend themselves to camping and day use are present. The almost impenetrable thicket bordering the creek holds a remarkably wide variety of plant life, much of which is rare or endangered. In much of this area, nature is in very delicate balance and should be carefully protected. Water levels are sufficient for recreational use at any time, although the drier summer months cause a substantial reduction in flow. These summer months are often uncomfortable to recreationists because of heat and insects.         Canoe rentals
      VillageCreek.Org (great photos)

The Sabine River
The Sabine River Basin is relatively long and narrow, with a length of approximately 300 miles and a maximum width of approximately 48 miles. There is little development along the river until you reach the City of Orange.  The Sabine River joins up with the Neches River at Port Arthur.  From the City of Orange to the confluence of the Sabine and Neches River the Gulf  Intracoastal Waterway flows through the river.
     SabineRiver.org

Toledo Bend Dam to US 190 (56 miles)
This section partially forms the boundary line between Texas and Louisiana. Here, the river is approximately 75 - 100 feet wide and slow-moving, taking on a swampy appearance, with enormous cypress trees lining each bank. Reportedly, Toledo Bend Reservoir maintains an almost continuous release of water. Therefore, adequate water levels for recreational use exist almost constantly. In addition, the quality of water is excellent from the dam to Orange.

This is an extremely scenic section of river, with the swampy terrain that exists throughout much of the area, serves as a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. Hazards on the river are virtually non-existent with the exception of one small waterfall located about 3 miles below the dam. Many fine white sand bars which are often utilized as camping and day use areas are present. The river is very isolated since only three roads cross it along this stretch. A recent state study found this section of the Sabine River is one of the more scenic, quality waterways in the State.

US 190 TO SH 12 (60 miles)
This section of the Sabine River is very similar to the section immediately above it. The river partially forms the boundary lines between Texas and Louisiana and is very isolated since only two roads cross the entire 60-mile stretch. Wide and extremely scenic, the Sabine takes on a swamp-like appearance having huge cypress trees covered with Spanish moss as common elements of the riverscape. This area provides habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.

SH 12 to the Gulf of Mexico (37 miles)
This section in Newton and Orange Counties is feasible for recreational use at all times. In the vicinity of Interstate Highway 10 crossing, the river is approximately 300 feet wide. Below IH 10, the river is deep enough to allow passage of ocean-going vessels. The scenic qualities are very good from SH 12 to IH 10. At Orange it flows past the Tony Houseman State Park/BLue Elbow Bayou. To the south of I-10 the river passes the riverfront redevelopment area, the USS Orleck display and Port of Orange.

There the Gulf Intracoastal waterway joins it for the trip to the confluence of the Sabine and Neches River at the northeast corner of Port Arthur and Lake Sabine. Below this point the river becomes the Sabine-Neches waterway with heavy industrial and municipal development on the right bank and the scenic Pleasure Island on the right. Large freight ships, tugs and barges are common here. The GIWW leaves the river at the southwest end of Port Arthur


The Trinity River
Livingston Reservoir to SH 105 (32 miles)
This section of the Trinity River forms the boundary between San Jacinto, Polk, and Liberty Counties. The suitability of this section for recreational use depends upon the amount of water being released from Lake Livingston Dam. However, the dam maintains a minimum constant release thus affording the section sufficient water for recreational use at most times.

The river along this section is quite scenic and it meanders between gently sloping banks. The water released from the dam is of good quality; and many fine, white sand bars which are often utilized for camping and day use have been deposited in the river. Hardwood tree-lined banks, interspersed with areas of open cultivated land and some subdivision activity exist. Other than the addition of subdivisions, this section has remained in a fairly natural state and provides valuable cover for many species of wildlife. Some of the larger creeks entering the Trinity provide the recreationist with unique opportunities for further exploration. No hazards or potentially dangerous places obstruct the river.

SH 105 to FM 162 (19 miles) This 19-mile section of the Trinity River is located in Liberty County and flows through natural hardwood bottomlands. Numerous residential housing developments are located along the river; however, there are still a number of remote sections that have not experienced any development. Livingston Dam maintains a continuous release of water and water levels along this section of the Trinity are always sufficient for recreational use. Many sand bars which provide camping and day use areas exist along the river. An abundance of wildlife habitat, particularly for migrant waterfowl, is also present. With no potential hazards, recreational use is feasible at all times.

FM 162 to Liberty (29 miles)
Located entirely within Liberty County, this 29-mile section of the Trinity River is quite scenic (the Big Thicket once included the entire area). Several housing developments reportedly have cropped up along the river, but many sections remain in a natural state. The Trinity and its adjacent oxbow lakes provide a haven for waterfowl. Also, the marshlands associated with the lower Trinity provide additional cover for a wide variety of animal life.

Water from the Trinity is utilized for irrigation of downstream rice fields. Therefore, an almost continuous supply of water must be released from Livingston Dam into the river to support this activity during the growing season. As a result, the dam releases water almost constantly throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Sufficient water for recreational use always is available. Many large sand bars which often provide areas for camping and day use are available.

Liberty to I-10 (28 miles)
Located in Liberty and Chambers Counties, this 28-mile section of the Trinity River is characterized by a swamp-like environment; but the riverbed itself is well-defined. This marshy environment provides excellent cover for many species of wildlife, including alligator and beaver. Many sloughs and bayous feed the river along this segment. One such slough near the county line links the Trinity with the Lost River; therefore, it is possible to extend a float trip to explore the Lost River-Old River system. The Lost River rejoins the Trinity a few miles downstream from IH 10.

Liberty to IH 10 (28 Miles)
The water level in the Trinity River is adequate for recreational use at any time; however, when there is a strong southeasterly wind blowing, the going becomes difficult. Also, tide action further complicates navigation on the lower portions of this section. There is some residential and commercial development on this section but for the most part, the river is isolated and scenic.

I-10 to Trinity Bay (8 miles)
The Trinity River below Interstate Highway 10 is marshy and swamp-like, containing many interconnecting systems of side sloughs and bayous. One such system is the Old River-Lost River system beginning upstream from IH 10 near the Liberty-Chambers County line where a slough cuts off from the Trinity River and connects with the Lost River. Also, the Lost River can be floated from the start of the slough to below IH 10 where it meets the Old River and rejoins the Trinity River (about 2 or 3 miles downstream from the bridge). An additional loop trip involving both the Old River and the Lost River can be explored. These river systems provide prime wildlife and waterfowl habitat and many species are commonly sighted by recreationists.

The Neches River
The Neches River south of Lake Rayburn and its tributary Village Creek and Pine Island Bayou provide some of the most scenic natural areas anywhere -- including the Big Thick National Preserve.



US 59 to US 69 (44 Miles)
At US 69 crossing - 18 miles north of Woodville is the last road crossing above the B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir. A small waterfall is located approximately 4 miles below US 69. Portions of the east bank downstream from US 69 are administered by the U.S. Forest Service. Bouton Lake Recreation Area ii Angelina National Forest is located adjacent to the river and is reached via SH 63 and Forest Service Road 303.

B. A. Steinhagen Reservoir to US 96 (54 miles)
One of the more popular and scenic waterways in the State, this section forms the boundary between Jasper, Tyler, and Hardin Counties. In general, the water runs deep along this section when the dam is releasing. However, there is sufficient water in the river for recreational activities even when no water is being released.

The average stream width along this section is approximately 150 to 200 feet. Abundant with wildlife, this area is scenic, containing numerous cypress swamps intermixed with pine, and hardwood forests. No particular hazards or danger points exist. Large sand bars are prevalent and lend themselves to camping and day use. There are only two road crossings on this 54-mile stretch, making the area relatively isolated.

At the Old Sheffield Crossing-FM 1013 crossing, 5 miles east of Spurger, a Texas Parks and Wildlife boat ramp is available for use.
At Hardin County Park - located on Camp Craven Road off SH 92, northeast of Slisbee. Camping facilities are available.






US 96 to IH 10 (39 miles)
At the US 96 crossing - 1 mile west of Evadale a Texas Parks & Wildlife boat ramp is available for use. This section flows very deep and wide, always having sufficient water for recreational activities. The area through which it flows consists of scenic cypress swamps and hardwood forests. Many species of wildlife are often seen. Large, white sand bars which are often utilized for camping and day use are spaced periodically. Potential hazards are virtually non-existent. Just above the city limits of Beaumont on the lower stretches of this section is the Salt Water Barrier which protects drinking water supplies of cities below it. Some residential development is found. This section is a very popular and scenic stretch.

A Public Boat ramp is located in the Lakeview development on the Vidor side of the river. Other boat ramps are at the city part at Collier's Ferry Park. Private boat ramps are available at the Beaumont Yacht Club on Pine Street just north of I-10.

Below this point, the river becomes extremely wide, since it is open to ocean-going vessels. A very popular boat ramp is located at Port Neches Park.

Orange County Bayous
Cow Bayou
More than 20 miles of waterway, much of which is accessible by boat for fishing, wildlife viewing and skiing.  It includes a central dredge channel, as well as the historic oxbow channels which offer excellent scenery and fishing opportunities.

Adams Bayou
More than 15 miles of waterway, much of which is accessible by boar for fishing and wildlife viewing. Boards the Adams Bayou Unit of the Lower Neches Wildlife Management Area.  The WMA offers fishing and hunting in accordance with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department annual public hunting permit regulations.


Jefferson County

Taylor Bayou --
The major drainage center of Jefferson county.  Fishing and boating.  Public boat ramps beneath Highway 73 bridge west of Port Arthur and at LaBelle Road crossing.

A major drainage channel for the southern and western areas of Beaumont.  flows into Taylor Bayou west of Port Arthur.  Fishing and boating.  No public launching ramps.   Private fee ramp located off Hillebrandt Road crossing.

Rodair Gully --
Drainage system that flows into Taylor Bayou west of Port Arthur.  Fishing and boating.  Nearest public ramp at Highway 73.


Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
The GIWW is part of the Sabine Neches Ship Channel from the mouth of the Neches River (northwest corner of Lake Sabine) down through Port Arthur.  South of Port Arthur, it leaves the ship channel and flows westward through the southern part of Jefferson County toward Galveston.  Fishing an boating.  Public boat ramp is located under Highway 87 bridge that crosses the GIWW between Port Arthur and Sabine Pass.


Pine Island Bayou
Pine Island Bayou rises in eastern Liberty County and flows southeast through Hardin County where it empties into the Neches River. Flowing through the Big Thicket country for approximately 25 miles, Pine Island Bayou is remote and retains a truly wilderness character. The lower part forms the northern boundary of the Beaumont City Limit and some development exists. The bayou is a beautiful, slow-running stream consisting of cypress swamps, pine and hardwood forests. Five units of the proposed String of Pearls concept for establishing a Big Thicket National Park are located along Pine Island Bayou.

FM 770 TO US 96, 287, and 69 (49 miles)
The bayou is an extremely scenic and popular waterway, flowing through the southern confines of the Big Thicket. The almost impenetrable thicket holds a remarkably wide variety of plant life, which, in turn, provides excellent cover for many wildlife species. Much of this plant and animal life is rare or endangered (a few are almost extinct), thus nature is in delicate balance throughout this area. Many of the spectacular features of the Big Thicket can be seen along Pine Island Bayou.

The bayou itself is scenic. Clear waters flow over white sand and gravel, with periodic sand and gravel bars providing areas which often lend themselves to camping and day use. The bayou is very narrow, and overhanging brush and limbs are a problem to recreationists. No hazardous areas are found on the bayou. Water levels are sufficient for recreational use at any time. During periods of extremely high water, the main channel is very hard to distinguish while floating the bayou. The summer months can be uncomfortable due to heat and insects.
At the County road crossing - off Calder Lane west of Beaumont, 3 miles southeast of Sour Lake the road slopes gently to the bayou. Also at SH 105 crossing - 6 miles east of Sour Lake the road slopes gently to the bayou.

At the EastTex Freey crossing (US 96, 287, and 69) located on the northwest city limit of Beaumont. A boat ramp is provided. Eight miles downstream from the previous crossing, Pine Island Bayou flows into the Neches River.