Before I move on to the topic “Top 9 Rivers and Lakes for Paddling in US”, I hope you should know the difference between paddling and rowing.
The differences between kayaking and canoeing:
While both the acts move forward a water craft that includes, a canoe, a kayak, or a dinghy (inflatable rubber boat), paddles are not attached to the boat but rows are part of the boat.
Similarly, different paddles are used to move a kayak, and a canoe,
A canoe water craft is open. The paddle has only one blade.
A kayak is a closed boat where you as the paddler, sit and insert your leg in the slot provided. The paddle given to move a kayak has two blades.
One or more paddlers can sit depending on the size of the boat.
Getting into a kayak:
It is difficult to get into a kayak.
Did you notice the paddle? It’s a two-bladed paddle. This makes the water craft to move faster than a canoe.
Getting seated in a canoe.
Ah, it is much easier than the previous water craft. The paddle has only one blade. You either sit or kneel while paddling.
Stand-up paddling
I think the modern version of paddling, the stand-up paddling (SUP) is also included in the paddling water sports.
You get on a board and use a single bladed paddle to propel the board. Contrary to the common belief, your legs are not harnessed to the stand-up board.
Paddling any kind of water craft in a sea requires strength, and agility. That’s why; you choose either a river or a lake to enjoy paddling.
A lagoon is also an ideal water body for indulging in all the three forms of paddling.
Top 9 Rivers and Lakes for Paddling in US:
Here is a list of most preferred top 9 best rivers and lakes for paddling in US.
Alaska
I have not picked any single water body here because; the state has too many rivers, countless lakes, and numerous fjords. Paddling in glacial rivers, that are considered wild rivers is thrilling. Fjords have minimal waves without current, but they can get fierce at times.
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Rainbow River, Florida
It is one of the hotbeds for paddling in US, because the river winds through stunning sceneries. In addition, the water is clear and rich in underwater species.
The river is fed Rainbow Springs.
The abundant prey attract quite a number of birds, and that makes you, as the kayaker, keep aside your paddle and reach out for your camera.
The diverse marine creatures warranted a submarine to be launched for tourism purposes.
To kayak or SUP, you need to go to a small town called Dunnellon, through which, the Rainbow River flows through.
The length of its course is just 9 km. At the end, it merges with Withlacoochee River. The nearest big city to Dunnellon is Ocala, at 32 km away in the southwest direction.
The dense trees on either sides of the river make the place romantic. Tubing is also being enjoyed by the children.
The river is part of the Rainbow River State Park. Both canoes and kayaks are offered for rent. I did not see anyone doing SUP.
Other activities include fishing, bird watching, and snorkelling. Provisions for camping are available.
If you love to see wildflowers, this state park in Central Florida is a haven for you.
There are a handful of restaurants on the banks of the river.
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Lake Powell
Lake Powell is one of the spectacular lakes in the United States. It is located in the midst of Glen Canyon, and Antelope Canyon.
The lake is actually a reservoir and is so vast that it is spread over two states namely Arizona, and Utah. It is fed by none other than the lengthy Colorado River that flows for a staggering 2,330 km!
A few more rivers that contribute to the reservoir include:
- San Juan River
- Green River
- Escalante River
The scenic beauty of the lake, and the Glen Canyon, attract over 2 million people every year.
Though the canyon has six entrances put together in both Utah and Arizona, Sedona is the chosen gateway by many.
Paddling in Lake Powell:
The lake’s 300 km length, and 40 km breadth, is ideal for numerous people to go Paddling in US in the water body at any given time.
The water body is guarded by the Glen Canyon and Antelope Canyon on either side. That’s why, kayaking in it will give you goosebumps. You will pat yourself as lucky to indulge in the water sport in such a breathtaking location.
Don’t you think it is wise to rent the paddle and the kayak for more than two hours instead of the usual one hour?
The water has some current which will actually make it easy for the paddlers.
You can take a paddleboard also for rent. Standing up or kneeling down on it is your choice. In either case, you will have to manage with a single-bladed paddle.
There are staying facilities near the Lake Powell. It is advisable to spend a weekend here as there are many more, incredible attractions nearby.
They include:
- Rainbow Bridge-a natural rock formation
It is more of an arch than a bridge. When the reservoir is brimming at its capacity, you can actually paddle right under the arch.
- Castle Rock
It is only a 4300 feet giant sandstone rock, located right in the Powell Lake.
- Gunsight Butte
- San Juan Gooseneck State Park
- Gregory Butte
- Antelope Canyon
This is a fantastic sight in Arizona, 72 km from Lake Powell.
These attractions are near the Page City which is located about 70 km south of Lake Powell.
Reach Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, and board a domestic flight to Page to see all the attractions in two days. The flight duration is only 45 minutes.
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Potomac River
Paddling down the Potomac River-there is no better way to see many of the buildings, and monuments in Washington, DC than paddling in the country’s capital river.
In fact, you can avoid long queues, frequent traffic jams, hot sun on your back if you choose the kayak tour in the river.
Some of the top sights in Washington, DC you can see from the river:
- Theodore Roosevelt Island
- Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
- Lincoln Memorial
- Washington Monument
- Arlington City, Virginia
I watched several videos regarding paddling in Potomac River, but I could not find any canoe being used. However, paddlingboard (SUP) adventure is available.
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Paddling in the network of glacial lakes.
Do you know there are over 11,800 lakes in the state of Minnesota, U.S.? Moreover, many of them are fed by the glaciers.
The extraordinarily beautiful surroundings, abundant wildlife that live amidst the pine forests on the lakes’ shores, make the water bodies, damn good for kayaking and paddleboarding.
The largest of all the 10,000+ lakes, Lake Agassiz, is the largest with a surface area occupying a mind-boggling 260,000 sq.km! That is larger than the area of the Great Lakes comprising:
- Lake Michigan
- Lake Erie
- Lake Huron
- Lake Ontario
- Lake Superior
Coming back to the water bodies in the glacial Minnesota, they are the most popular destinations for various water-based adventures.
Apart from the usual kayaks, there is another kind of paddling vessel called ‘packraft’ is used. It is an inflatable kayak but smaller than the regular kayak.
To enjoy paddling in the alpine lakes in Minnesota, you have to go the Minneapolis City and St. Paul City.
In addition to the glacial lakes, there are several rivers in Minnesota that offer superb kayaking locations.
St. Croix River, Rum River, River Root, are great for stand-up boarding, and kayaking.
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Salmon River
Salmon River is in the Idaho state. It has got an alias that goes by “The River of No Return”.
The 685 km long river originates from an altitude of over 9200 feet! Therefore, it is an alpine river.
It is known for its gushing current when in high season. It attracts water sports enthusiasts, especially, the whitewater rafters, whitewaterkayakars, and canoeing buffs.
Whitewater Kayaking:
The rafting water-based adventure involves a team of four or six paddlers, but even kayaking in the rapids requires only one navigator with great skills in managing rapids, and falls.
Kayaking gets more thrilling here when the river Salmon flows in between a canyon in the same name. From the top of the canyon, the floor where the river flows, it is 7000 feet. That is deeper than the Grand Canyon, buddy!
You need to go to the city of Challis to take part in the kayaking or canoeing kinds of paddling in US.
It is a picturesque city in serene settings.
The city is situated at a height of 5250 feet! You can find organized Salmon River Rafting expeditions in Challis, and also in the Salmon city, another scenic city with mountains all around.
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Buffalo National River
Yes, it is the first national river of America. It flows for 240 km through the northern part of the state of Arkansas.
Since its route is so beautiful, and the flow of the river is also gentle, it is considered as an excellent destination for paddling sports in US.
Spring is the peak season for the trees to bloom and light the river’s path. When the water picks up current, it is said to behave wildly and that imposes some condition on the adventure seekers.
The gateway to paddling in the Buffalo National River is the city of Harriet.
Harriet is a touristy city with some natural attractions that include the Blanchard Spring Caverns, Ouachita Mountain, Magazine Mountain, and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.
The river has some current, and you only require a minimum of paddling your canoe.
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Wailua River
Wailua River is flowing on the Hawaiian island of Kauia. If you search for the most scenic place for kayaking in Hawaii, you will read a paragraph from a webpage that says, “Every visitor should experience Wailua River Kayaking tour”.
The river feeds two waterfalls on its course through some lush jungles teeming with amazing wildlife.
Paddling tour in Wailua River is arranged. It lasts a good 3 hours. The target is to reach the Uluwehi Falls and return to the point of departure.
Another tour promises 5 hour kayaking expedition.
The river’s gentle current suits even the beginner paddlers that include stand-up paddling enthusiasts.
The scene is typical Hawaiian.
Kauai Island is the most beautiful of all Hawaiian Islands. Some of the attractions are simply breathtaking.
They include:
- Manawaiopuna Waterfalls-some of 70 movies were shot here.
- Kalalau Valley
- Na Pali Coast
Jaw dropping location.
- Waimea Canyon
- Spouting Horn
After you have enjoyed your paddling session, you can see as many as 25 remarkable places in Kauai Island.
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Everglades, Florida
Everglades comprises several water bodies including a few lakes, a large wetland, 10,000 islands, and 20k sq. Km area of land and water.
Such a precious and incredible ecosystem is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, and marine life.
Casual kayakers keep off the Everglades because, the area is too large to see. You require a minimum 3 days to a maximum of 15 days, guided kayaking, and canoeing expeditions. They are arranged from Orlando.
This means, it is a full-fledged paddling package tour that involves staying in campgrounds, simple meals, and basic amenities.
Your watercraft has to navigate through dense mangrove forests, and large marshlands.
The most fearsome wildlife you will encounter is the crocodile. This implies, even veteran paddlers are not allowed to venture out in the water without an experienced guide.
Usually, the paddling expeditions start from Orlando. You can scour the web, and strike a deal with a long-lasting kayaking tour organizer.
Florida is the best state in the US that is blessed with more than 10 beautiful kayaking spots that include the Ichetuknee River, Sarasota Bay, WeekiWachee River, Kissimmee River, and Okeechobee Lake.
This is an awesome canoeing tour in the Everglades National Park. Did you notice a few species of birds, and the patient crocodile?
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San Juan Islands
San Juan Islands archipelago is located in between the US State of Washington, and the Canadian Vancouver Island, in the northwest Pacific Ocean.
Paddling a kayak here means, it is sea kayaking that uses a slightly different water craft.
The paddler is sitting as if he is sitting in a battle tank. Sea Kayaking off the shores of San Juan Islands (see the map below) attracts paddlers as well as marine life enthusiasts.
Orca Whale can be seen only in this part of the world.
Canadians can embark on a sea kayaking expedition from the coastal town of Sydney, British Columbia, Canada.
Americans can rent a kayak from Anacortes harbour, Washington State.
Anacortes city is located 130 km north of Seattle, the capital of Washington. Interestingly, ferries ply between Seattle, and Anacortes. The journey will be two hours and forty minutes.
For your information, the kayaking tour from Washington is known as “Whale Route”.
Seeing the rich marine life in Everglades, and here around the San Juan Islands, it is recommended to rent out a glass-bottomed kayak if available.
The vessel itself is fully made of glass! Wow! This see-through canoe is so good for the paddlers.
