LOXAHATCHEE
RIVER CANOEING & KAYAKING Canoe & Kayak Trips From River Bend Park In Jupiter, Florida
Pictures & Information Page 2 of 4
Welcome to Palm Beach Boating Guide's Loxahatchee River
Canoeing & Kayaking web site. Thank you for visiting.
This is one of several pages that provide a "virtual tour" of
the
Loxahatchee River. Click here if you
would like to start viewing the virtual tour from page 1.
There are only two rivers in Florida that are designated "wild
and scenic." The Loxahatchee River in Jupiter is one. The
other is the Wekiva River in
Central Florida.
On your first trip, the time spent
traveling downstream seems may seem longer than it actually is.
This is because you don't know where you are going. It may seem
like a
long time before you reach the second dam. However, when you turn
around you'll be surprised how quickly you make it back to the first
dam, then the launch site at River Bend Park.
A word of caution: Know
your paddling capabilities and choose an appropriate trip.
Experienced Loxahatchee paddlers worry when they see a rental canoe
filled with people struggling to make it downstream (especially if they
are seniors.) Going downstream to the second dam is a bit of a
challenge. Coming back upstream or going the 8 mile distance to
Jonathan Dickinson park is a much greater challenge. There is no road or walking path
option that will get you back. There are no park rangers to
assist tired paddlers. The only way out is on the water, via your
own paddling power. HAVE A "PLAN B": If at
any point you feel that the trip is more than you bargained for,
STOP! Rest and turn back. A good place to determine
how you are feeling is at the first dam. You'll come upon the
first dam about 10-15 minutes after you launch from River Bend
Park. The cypress trees and vegetation near this dam are
spectacular, much like they will be on the way to the second
dam. There is no shame in stopping to enjoy the scenery around
the first dam and heading back to the launch at River Bend Park.
You will have a great feel for the river and won't put yourself at risk.
For those taking Trip #2 to Jonathan Dickinson Park: Do not go beyond the second dam unless you
are feeling confident and up for the several miles of challenging
paddling that are ahead. It only takes 45-75 minutes to
paddle back upstream from the second dam to the launch site at River
Bend Park. This is a much easier task than going all the way to
Jonathan Dickinson Park.
Remember, you're on the Loxahatchee to enjoy yourself and have a
good time. There's no need to strain or push yourself to the
point of concern.
EMERGENCIES: Take a portable
phone with you. Write down these phone numbers (or print out this
page) in case you should need them. Seal both the phone
numbers and your portable phone in a watertight plastic bag.
Don't take
them our of the bag unless there is an emergency (everything in a canoe
or kayak seems to get wet!)
911
Jupiter Police, Palm Beach County or Martin County
Sheriff emergency response (561)
746-6201 Jupiter Police, non-emergency number (561)
688-3000 Palm Beach County Sheriff (772)
220-7000 Martin County Sheriff (772)
546-2771 Jonathan Dickinson Park (Park Rangers) (888)
272-1257 Canoe Outfitters (River Bend Park Canoe
Rentals) or (561) 746-7053
Landmarks are few along the Loxahatchee River. If there is
an emergency, tell the police the following:
1. That you are canoeing on the
Loxahatchee River.
2. That you left from River Bend Park
in Jupiter.
3. That you are located between two
known river landmarks. Say
that you have passed (the first dam, the second dam, I-95, Trapper
Nelson's) and have yet to reach (the second dam, I-95, Trapper
Nelson's, Jonathan Dickinson Park canoe launch.)
Of course this will only give rescuers a general idea of where
you
are, but it's about the best you can do on an unmarked "wild and scenic
river."
If you have a handheld GPS receiver, bring it with you.
This will allow you to provide police with a specific location.
Note that the Loxahatchee River runs between several police
jurisdictions. It starts out in Jupiter and Palm Beach
County. It
then winds into Martin County, then much later back into Jupiter.
Buy a waterproof disposable
camera. Leave your good camera
at home. The area is beautiful and you'll want pictures.
However, you're always going to be near water and canoes are
tippy. I've heard many stories about people dropping their
cameras in the river or water ruining camera electronic circuits.
Note:
This page contains several high resolution, large size
photographs. These pictures were taken to be instructive and give
you the best possible feel for canoe and kayak trips on the Loxahatchee
River. As such this these
pictures may take extra time to download, especially with a dial-up
internet connection.
At the end of the pathway from the parking lot you will find the
Loxahatchee River. These cypress trees are your "gateway" to
adventure on the river.
Getting ready to launch, have children wear life jackets. Adults should
strongly consider them. Sunglasses and sunscreen
can be nice to have, but may not be necessary. Most of the route
is tree covered until you get to Trapper Nelson's. Bug spray is a good
idea during the wet season (May-October.) Take drinks and a snack
(or lunch). Stop to rest and eat at
one of the dams. The dams are great places to take in the scenery.
A waterproof dry
bag is very useful on the Loxahatchee River. It will keep
your personal items dry in a kayak or canoe.
If you are traveling from River Bend Park to Jonathan Dickinson
Park (Trip #2 above), wear long
sleeves to avoid scratches and skin irritation from contact
plants. Sunglasses or industrial eye
protection will keep you eyes safe from low-lying sticks and
branches.
This pictures shows the small sandy area where you can launch
your canoe or kayak. Motorized boats are not permitted.
This is the area where you pick up your rental canoe.
There is no charge to launch a private kayak or canoe.
Note the dark brown ("coffee colored") tint to the water.
The water is fresh
(it even smells clean!) The dark color comes from the distinctive
brown water that comes out of the Florida Everglades area, which is the
ultimate source of water for the Loxahatchee River.
After launching you will want to head downstream (heading north
or "to your right").
Where does this part the Loxahatchee River start? Its
headwaters are the large C-18 canal in Jupiter, which flow into the
smaller C-14 canal until
it reaches this launch site at River Bend Park. Click here
to see a map of the water management canals that feed the Loxahatchee
River. If you paddle two miles upstream (south or "to your left")
from the launch site you will find a cement and steel floodgate off the
C-18 canal. Remarkably this utility structure is the source of
water for the wild and scenic Loxahatchee River.
You're on your way! This picture was taken while paddling
downstream from the launch site. From here it will take you about
15-20 minutes to reach the first dam.
During this leg of the trip the river is fairly wide and the
current is manageable. You will see a lot of plant and animal
life, but only a few cypress trees. You will pass under the wide
concrete Indiantown Road bridge (look for bats). Once you pass
this bridge you formally enter the remote part of Jonathan Dickinson
State park where there are massive stands of cypress trees.
As you paddle, be on the lookout for woodpeckers, raccoons,
osprey, river
otters, bobcats, wading birds, blue heron, egrets, river otters and
Florida Red Bellied Turtles. Notable plant life includes ferns,
pond apples and, of course, the 500 year old cypress trees.
A landmark you'll come across early in this leg of the trip is
this old
wood bridge. It's hard to get under when the water level is
high. You can simply pass it on the left-hand side. When
water levels are low you can pass underneath.
You'll most likely see a lot of turtles in this area. It's
generally sunny here because there aren't yet a huge number of cypress
trees along the banks. The name "Loxahatchee" was given by the
Seminole Indians. It means "river of turtles."
You'll see plenty of vegetation along the river. Look for life
on amongst the lilly pads. You'll see turtles sticking their
heads
above the water. You may also see water skeeters, spiders
and snakes resting on the lilly pads.
Note that if you accidentally plow into the lilly pads, spiders
and other insects may board your boat.
While paddling, keep an eye out for what's under the water.
You'll see magnificent stands of underwater plant life, fallen
trees, turtles swimming and fish such as mullet and large mouth
bass.
Underwater life is best observed in areas where there is direct
sunlight. You'll be surprised at how well you can see through the
dark brown tinted water.
Cypress trees are easily identified by their wide base.
Paddlers should watch out for cypress tree "knees", the root-like
structures that surround
the base of the tree.
If you look closely at the base of this cypress tree you will
notice water marks. This picture was taken when river levels were
relatively low. Water levels in the Loxahatchee River change
dramatically.
A heavy rain storm can
raise the river level by a couple of feet.
When the river is high it's easy to avoid obstructions.
Many river "off shoots" are revealed and can trick you away from the
main channel. Current in the main channel isn't as strong because
the river is wider. The scenery is more "green" and looks more
like a marsh.
When the river level is low you'll hit more submerged
trees. The current will be stronger because water flow is limited
to the narrow main channel. The scenery is more "brown" and takes
on the appearance of a forest. Blockages and pull-overs can be
major factors when water levels are low.
Generally speaking water levels are higher during South
Florida's rainy season (May-October) and for a couple of days following
a major rainstorm. Water levels are lower during the dry season
(November-April) and when it has been several days since the last rain.
The
river is narrow. If your boat capsizes you will have no problem swimming to shore and
getting back in. Water depths
near shore are shallow and it should be easy to stand up. Water
depths
in the main channel can be a lot deeper, but I doubt many places are
deeper than 10 feet.
River wildlife is most active in April and November. There is
no "bad" time to visit.
Some fields surrounding the Loxahatchee River are historic Seminole War battle sites.
You're just about to arrive at the First Dam now. Click here to continue
your photographic virtual tour of the Loxahatchee River.
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