Put-in at Riverbend Park- Upper River
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. Its narrow winding channels are canopied for most of the river by majestic cypress trees offering the paddler a challenging and interesting recreational experience. The trees block the wind quite well, so even with 20-25 mph winds, the upper river can be paddled easily. 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 (2 1/2 hour paddle) 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 and is navigable by motorboats. About 1/2 mile upstream from Trapper Nelson's the river becomes a tidal estuary, so the current will reverse on an incoming tide. 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. You may have to port your boat around obstacles a few times on the upper river, so wear shoes that can go in the mud. There will also be some kayak-limbo sessions under downed trees. You can fish the entire river, but it's best to store the rod flat due to overhanging branches and bridges. Bass, bluegill, and gar are there as expected, but landlocked snook, snapper, sheepshead and even tarpon make their way upriver.
Directions: From north or south, take the Turnpike (exit 116)or I-95 (exit 87b west) to Indiantown Rd. (SR706) in Palm Beach County.
Upper River put-in: Head west about 1.5 miles and turn left (south) into Riverbend Park. There is a small, brown sign on the left that is easy to miss. They are expanding the park, so if there are 2 open entrances, take the 2nd (western) one.
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 100 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 port-a-lets at Riverbend Park and a picnic area with real bathrooms (i.e. flushing toilets) at the Trapper Nelson site.
Put-in/Take-out: It's about 100 yards from the parking lot to the riverbank put-in in the upper river, so bring a cart. 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. Swimming is strongly discouraged due to the alligators.
Wildlife: Not many birds except limpkins, since the river is so narrow the paddlers 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
Paddling through cypress knees and leather ferns.
Trapper Nelson's cabin
Maps from Mapquest.com
Site created by
page updated 11/8/09