|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Top Ten Canoe, Kayak & Raft Camping Trips
|
|
|
|
The Other Boundary Waters
|
|
|
|
Kenai Peninsula, Alaska
|
The Kenai Canoe Trails have been called the "other Boundary Waters," being the only other federally designated wilderness canoe area. The Kenai Canoe Trails are divided into two systems: the Swan Lake and Swanson River Canoe Routes. The most popular of the two, the Swan Lake System travels through 30 lakes tied together by the Moose River. The complete route is about 60 miles. The Swanson River Canoe Route lies north of the Swan Lake System and connects 40 lakes with 46 miles of the Swanson River.
The wildlife is terrific, not surprising since this is on national wildlife refuge land. More than 200 species of amphibians, birds, and mammals have been spotted in the area. The rich salmon runs form the basis for this biological wealth. Fish-eating birds include several species of gulls and terns, cormorants, three species of loons, mergansers, grebes, kingfishers, ospreys, and bald eagles. Fish-eating mammals include mink, river otter, and black and brown bears. You'll probably spot moose while you're there, as well as a host of other Seward's Folly critters to be on the lookout for, including ducks, yellow legs, swans, snipes, owls, lynx, wolves, coyotes, fox, muskrats, beavers, various rodents, and bats.
Pack your field guides!
More GORP: Kicking Back on the Kenai Peninsula
GORPtravel Picks: Northwest and Alaska Paddling Trips
|
Shelter from the Storm
|
|
|
|
|
Inside Passage
|
| |
Washington, British Columbia, Alaska
|
The Inside Passage is a protected waterway that extends for 950 miles from Puget Sound to Skagway, Alaska. This is a stretch of water ideal for sea kayaking: a myriad of islands shielding an intricate, lushly forested coastline. Summer weather tends toward the sweetly calm. Highlights of the Inside Passage include the renowned San Juan Islands, the east coast of Vancouver Island, and the verdant Tongass National Forest.
Quiet and low in the water, sea kayaks are perfect for wildlife watching. And this is a region that won't disappoint. Be on the lookout for otters, bears, a wealth of birdlife, and whales (even orcas).
More GORP: Tongass National Forest
More GORP: Splashed by Whales
GORPtravel Picks: Northwest and Alaska Canoeing and Sea Kayaking
|
The Wake of Lewis and Clark
|
|
|
|
|
Missouri River, Montana
|
The Missouri River is the longest river in North America, and one of the longest in the world, even though its lower section is named the Mississippi.
The Upper Missouri National Wild and Scenic River flows east for some 150 miles through some of the wildest, loneliest, and most historically significant stretches of open space in the lower 48. This desolate and fissured landscape is known as the Missouri Breaks.
Later on the river widens, but the current remains swift. Starting at Yankton, South Dakota, a week long (or so) float trip will take you about 205 miles to Omaha, Nebraska. The Missouri here is used for commercial traffic as well as pleasure boating. The river flows along the beautiful wooded bluffs of the region, and through several cities. The best 59 miles of this stretch have been designated a National Recreational River. Canoe campers can take advantage of many of the banks, sandbars, and parks along the way.
Eventually the river reaches the Mississippi, but that's a whole 'nuther epic adventure.
More GORP:
|
A Peaceable Bay
|
 |
 |
Baja California, Mexico
|
Kayakers flock to the Baja Peninsula, particularly the Sea of Cortés. This is a destination that has it all: mostly calm waters, eventful shoreline, lively wildlife. The region is especially noted for the number and variety of whales and porpoises that swim these waters. The Sea of Cortés hosts 600 species of fish, which in turn provide sustenance to a wide variety of seabirds. With 2,000 miles of coastline, the peninsula has been able to graciously accommodate its popularity.
You'll definitely want to spend some time out of the boat hiking into the peninsula's desert interior or snorkeling for an underwater view. The region has many interesting communities for when you get tired of unadulterated nature. Best time to go is October through May, so plan on trouncing those winter blahs this year.
Just the Facts
Suitable craft: Sea kayak
More International paddling: Bahamas,
|
|
More GORP: Paddling in Baja Overview
More GORP: Favorite Sea of Cortés Excursions
GORPtravel Picks: Baja California Trips
|
Desert Sojourn
|
|
|
|
|
Green River, Utah
|
The Green River slices down eastern Utah, merging with the Colorado River in Canyonlands National Park. This makes for a long river journey, with encounters with many different personalities along the way. If you go with a lively crew, there'll be no end to the fun.
The Green River starts in the north in the Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area. Because it's such a long river, most people take the river in sections, depending on their abilities and interests. The fun frequently begins in Dinosaur National Monument. This is where you'll encounter the Green River Gorge, which is as deep as the Grand Canyon. Other highlights along the Green's inexorable flow to the Colorado include Ouray National Wildlife Refuge, Lodore Canyon, Gray and Desolation Canyons, and Labyrinth Canyon, and Canyonlands National Park.
Just the Facts
For more information: The Green passes through a number of jurisdictions. The largest chunk is held by the Bureau of Land Management. Call one of their Utah offices for the section you're interested in.
Suitable craft: Depending on the section, canoe, raft, or whitewater kayak
More Southwest paddling:
|
|
More GORP: Labyrinth Canyon
More GORP: Lodore Canyon
More GORP: Desolation and Gray Canyons
GORPtravel Picks: Green River Trips
Return to
Top
