Florida's first "Wild and Scenic" river, flowing through Jupiter, Florida, the Loxahatchee River is a beautiful paddle. An easy launch (with free parking!) is available at Riverbend Park off Indiantown Road. If you have two vehicles to run a shuttle it is possible to do a one-way paddle down the river to the boat launch within Jonathan Dickinson State Park (the concessionaire at Riverbend also can provide a shuttle with prior reservation). This 9 mile paddle takes from 4.5-6 hours and goes primarily through beautiful, pristine forest. Two log dams are present across the river and depending on water level they may or may not be passable. With higher water it is possible (in a kayak) to paddle over the dams and in low water (or with a canoe) there are portages available. The upper portion of the river is closed to motorboats and too narrow for larger boats anyway. About two hours above the state park boat launch is the Trapper Nelson Historical homestead. This makes a good rest area where it is possible to view this wilderness outpost. Below this point the river widens significantly and motorboats are present. Tidal action also influences the river below this point so plan your trip to coincide with an outgoing tide for easiest paddling.
Throughout the paddle there is much to see. Alligators are frequently seen resting on the bank and some are even swimming in the water as you paddle past. Swimming is forbidden along the Loxahatchee since there are so many alligators. Watch for Yellow-bellied Slider turtles (Loxahatchee means turtle river in Seminole) sunning themselves on rocks, logs, and the shoreline. A variety of birds are also present in the forest so keep your eyes peeled. The cypress trees are especially gorgeous along the upper portion of the river.
Low branches, submerged logs, and sharp S-turns ad interest to the paddling. Bring a short kayak or canoe for easiest maneuverability and be prepared to slide over and under logs, dodge paddlers heading the other way, and even make quick portages on shore.
Overall this is a fun paddle through a gorgeous forest. Heading downstream is definitely preferable to paddling up stream as the current can be brisk. It is also a good idea to bring insect repellant just in case the mosquitoes