Located at the Palm-Beach County/Martin County line,the beautiful Loxahatchee River (named "lowchow" turtle "hatchee" river by the Seminole Indians) is Florida's first wild and scenic river. The put-in at Riverbend Park is the site of the last battle with the Seminole Indians. Unlike many other rivers that have been channelized by development, this river remains virtually unchanged. It's narrow winding channels are canopied for most of the river by majestic cypress trees offering the paddler a challenging and interesting recreational experience. The route is about 8 miles long with a mild-moderate current. It takes about 50% longer to go upstream than downstream. It's about 5 hours to go all the way downstream. Halfway down the river the park service has kept Trapper Nelson's cabin as an interpretive site with guided tours for free. The upper river is a narrow, winding path through the cypress trees. The lower river is a wide, slow, meander through the mangroves. There are 2 small dams on the upper river which you can paddle over during high water and use the portages to get back upriver.
The river does get crowded at times, so it's best to go early. The first few people usually scare away most of the good wildlife (gators, otters). There is a shuttle service available on weekends, reservations recommended, with Canoe Outfitters of Florida. They are located at the upstream put-in. During low water you will have to port your boat around obstacles a few times on the upper river, so wear shoes that can go in the mud. You can fish around Riverbend Park and in the lower river, but the bulk of the upper river is too shallow and has too many low-hanging branches to paddle with an upright fishing rod.
Directions: From north or south, take the Turnpike or I-95 to Indiantown Rd. (SR706) in Palm Beach County.
Upper River put-in: Head west about 1.5 miles and turn left into Riverbend Park. There is a small, brown sign that says "Canoe Outfitters" located in the median and is easy to miss.
Lower River put-in: Head east to US1, then north about 8 miles to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Go to the canoe rental area.
Entrance fee/parking: Free at Riverbend Park. There is a nominal entrance fee for Jonathan Dickinson Park.
Facilities: It's about 75 yards from the parking lot to the riverbank put-in in the upper river. The Canoe Outfitters are right there for canoe/kayak rental and supplies. There are no facilities for anything on the river itself.
Put-in/Take-out: It's about 75 yards from the parking lot to the riverbank put-in in the upper river. The lower put-in is easier to get to from the car.
Route: Head downstream from the top or upstream from the bottom. From the upper river, you make your first right turn and remember the landmarks for the trip back. There are portages to get back upstream over the dams. There aren't any great spots to stop and have a picnic, so plan to stay in your boat.
Wildlife: Not many birds since the river is so narrow the boaters scare them off. There are alligators, turtles, otters, raccoons and such if you're lucky to spot one.
Put-in at Riverbend Park- Upper River
Maps from Mapquest.com
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