Lazarre Park, part of the Ouachita River, is kind of a sketchy place. I have been there many times in the past two decades, but I know local folks who say to be cautious. The park does have public bathrooms.
The amount of seasonal flow variation in this area is nicely demonstrated by the length of the boat ramp at Lazarre Park. At high water you should only consider paddling downstream to Bawcomville Recreational Area or upstream to Forsythe Park (or Moon Landing).
At flood stage the boat ramps will just be closed and you should consider the Bayou DeSiard instead.
At normal flows it is fun to paddle up to Forsythe Park where you can stop at another boat ramp, and come back with the current. You will be paddling through the business districts of Monroe and West Monroe Louisiana - which is kind of different.
This river can have barge traffic and they will throw a wake. If you see a barge, it may be a good time to head to a safe spot on the shore and have a sandwich.
There is local paddle shop, H2GO!, that is a great source of information and can offer advice about the current river conditions - they also do group paddles at various locations in the area
Post Submitted by Area Visitor Kent Fothergill See more about this location from him in the link below
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