Ortega-McGirts Creek

I have never checked in here or reviewed this place, because it’s spelled wrong as it’s McGirts Creek. I used to go frogging and fishing in McGirts Creek when I was younger, which was about 50 years ago.

Another kayak/​canoe adventure as I had been wanting to kayak this portion if the Ortega River for the longest time. There isn’t really a lot of room just enough to hand launch up to 2 kayaks. There is also another location off Blanding Blvd to be able to access this same creek. **Just be aware of the I-​295 bridge clearance during periods of high tide if you decide to head further up-​stream. and DON’T forget your bug spray.
Heading North from Collins Rd. the upper section of the river is a really enjoyable paddle. Lots of wildlife and mossy covered trees. The water is very placid and doesn’t get rough until you get to the lower potions, half way between Collins Rd. and the 103^rd street bridge. Due to the depth in the river’s upper portion 15−25ft, there can occasionally be a lot of boat traffic. I tried to stay closer to the sides of the river as to not deal with wind and wake. Also just south of Tillie K. Fowler Park on the river there is several small creeks only 3 ft wide or wide enough for one kayak. That maze in and out of the brush, but ran out of time to explore all of these.
One of the major things I wanted to check out were the big piles in the river just west of Yukon. There’s a few rumors that perhaps the Navy had a submarine back there during WW1 or WW2. But nothing confirmed. The river is surely deep enough except around the 103^rd street bridge where the water is only 6−8ft with silt. Here is the link to Metro-​Jacksonville if anyone is interested in reading the story:
Happy Paddling!