Canoeing
Looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure that will take you on a journey through some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world? Look no further than canoeing!
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a complete beginner, canoeing is an activity that anyone can enjoy. Whether you're paddling through a calm lake, navigating a fast-moving river, or tackling some of the world's most challenging white water, canoeing offers something for everyone.
There are countless reasons why should you go canoeing! For one, it's an excellent way to get some exercise and spend time in nature. It's also a great way to bond with friends and family, or even to meet new people on guided trips. Plus, canoeing allows you to experience the world in a way that few other activities can – by getting up close and personal with the natural beauty of the waterways.
The get started, the first step is to find a good quality canoe and some essential safety equipment, such as a life jacket and a paddle. Next, it's a good idea to take a beginner's class or hire a guide to teach you the basics of paddling and safety. From there, the world is your oyster! You can choose to go on a leisurely day trip, embark on a multi-day camping excursion, or even take on some challenging white water.
No matter what your goals or experience level, canoeing is an exciting and rewarding activity that is sure to leave a lasting impression. So why wait? Get out on the water and start exploring the beautiful world of canoeing today!
Here's some of our favorite canoeing areas
Beaver Dick Park
Rexburg, Idaho
5.7 miles W of Rexburg, IdahoA 9.5-acre Snake River park near Rexburg with fire pits, pavilions, fishing, boating, swimming, and a rich history tied to legendary frontiersman Beaver Dick Leigh.
Camp, Canoe, Disc Golf, Swim Add Location
Twin Bridges Park
Rexburg, Idaho
10.5 miles S of Rexburg, IdahoA 27-acre Snake River park between two bridges near Rexburg with shaded campsites, fire pits, pavilions, a playground, and BLM ground for hiking and hunting on three sides.
Camp, Canoe 6.9 mi
Big Elk Creek
Irwin, Idaho
11.0 miles SE of Irwin, IdahoA versatile campground on a small dammed lake with fishing, kayaking, hiking and backpacking into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, and stunning fall Aspen and Douglas-Fir colors on the Big Elk Creek Trail.
Backpack, Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Kayak
Horseshoe Lake
Ashton, Idaho
18.3 miles E of Ashton, IdahoA lily-pad-dotted lake hidden in the Targhee National Forest with a gradual beach entry perfect for wading, a floating dock for jumping, and no motorized boats.
Camp, Canoe, Dive, Swim 3.6 mi
String Lake
Alta, Wyoming
16.4 miles NE of Alta, WyomingA shallow, warm lake connecting Jenny and Leigh Lakes at the base of the Tetons — the clear water lets you see the bottom from a kayak, wade easily with kids, and access wilder open water beyond.
Canoe, Hike, Kayak, Swim 0.6-3.7 mi
Umstead State Park
Raleigh, North Carolina
9.7 miles NW of Raleigh, North CarolinaFive thousand five hundred acres of forested trails — over 20 miles of hiking and 13 miles of multi-use paths — plus three fishing lakes and canoe rentals in the heart of the Triangle.
Camp, Canoe, Hike, Horseback, Mountain Bike 1.1 mi
Lewis & Clark Caverns
Whitehall, Montana
10.9 miles E of Whitehall, MontanaLewis & Clark Caverns State Park combines colorful guided cave tours at a constant 48°F with mountain biking, year-round fishing, and camping in 3,015 scenic Montana acres.
Camp, Canoe, Cave, Hike, Mountain Bike
Mccall Area
McCall, Idaho
10.4 miles NE of McCall, IdahoA beautiful Idaho resort town with swimming holes, 7-mile mountain hikes to isolated lakes, Ponderosa State Park trails, mountain biking, Payette Lake boating, skiing, and sledding — all within reach of McCall.
Backpack, Camp, Canoe, Cross-country Ski, Hike, Kayak, Mountain Bike, Sled, Snowshoe, Swim
Zephyr Cove Park
Glenbrook, Nevada
5.5 miles S of Glenbrook, NevadaSix tennis courts, disc golf, a sledding hill, a beach, and a fishing pond all at one free park make Zephyr Cove one of Lake Tahoe's most versatile family hangouts.
Camp, Canoe, Disc Golf, Hike, Horseback, Kayak, Swim 1.4 mi
Queen Anne Creek
Edenton, North Carolina
0.2 miles W of Edenton, North CarolinaA two-hour kayak loop from Edenton Marina up Queen Anne Creek and Little Creek — lily pads in spring, mirrored reflections on calm days, and brilliant fall foliage along the water.
Canoe, Kayak
- Plan Ahead and Prepare. Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit. Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies. Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use. Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups. Repackage food to minimize waste. Use a map and compass to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns or flagging.
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces. Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow. Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams. Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food and litter. Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Leave what you find. Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
- Minimize campfire impacts. Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires. Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand. Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
- Respect wildlife. Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them. Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely. Control pets at all times, or leave them at home. Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail. Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock. Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
