Cheesequake Creek is a tidal saltwater estuary feeding into Raritan Bay within Cheesequake State Park in Old Bridge, Middlesex County. The paddling experience is defined by its tidal nature and coastal marsh environment. A primary public launch point is Old Bridge Waterfront Park on Rt-35 at Cliffwood Way in Laurence Harbor, where a beach provides access. The creek flows through the heart of Cheesequake State Park, where freshwater from inland sources meets saltwater from the bay, creating a unique brackish ecosystem. The area is characterized by saltmarshes with tall grasses, muddy banks, and a network of tidal channels. Paddlers can expect to see a variety of birdlife, including herons, egrets, osprey, and marsh wrens, as well as diamondback terrapins and fiddler crabs along the banks. The overall character is a natural, marshy escape within a developed region, though paddlers should be aware of significant water quality concerns. A portion of the adjacent Raritan Bay coastline, specifically the seawall in the Laurence Harbor area, is a designated Superfund site due to lead and other metal contamination from historical industrial slag. While cleanup work has occurred, the area remains fenced-off and officially off-limits; toxins are known to leach into the water and be carried by currents. Guided commercial kayak tours are offered on the creek by organizations like NY/NJ Baykeeper and Kayak East, which provide all necessary equipment. These tours sometimes include stops at features like the "Crabbing Bridge" for ecological interpretation. For independent paddlers, access within the state park itself may be limited, with one source noting that kayak access is only available as part of a paid tour. The creek is suitable for kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. Paddlers should plan their trips carefully around the tides, as the entire experience is governed by tidal flow in and out of Raritan Bay.