Kayaking the Mouth of The Salt River

The weather here has gotten hot. It has reached he upper eighties but at least it cools off in the evening and drops to the lower fifties and even the forties. The forecast was for more of the same, with the winds dying down. That meant perfect weather for kayaking!

Our friend Val wanted to float Palisades Reservoir and after talking it over we decided to float the bay where the Salt River enters, its mouth. We unloaded the kayaks and were soon paddling across a glassy expanse. We had paddled the area several years ago and had a good day of birding, so we headed to the flooded willows.

That time we had spotted cedar waxwings still occupying their nests. This year the nests were empty, and it wasn’t surprising as it was several weeks later. Still we were entertained by a great blue heron, who flushed as we neared. A flock of American White Pelicans flew overhead, but they must not have spotted any fish as they wheeled and headed back toward the Tetons.

The Salt mountains stood in the background, to the north we could see the Tetons, and the west was bounded by the Caribous. A mallard hen flushed before we could take a picture, which usually happens with birds that are hunted. We next padded to the mouth of the Salt River hoping to see a perching bald eagle. The year before we had seen an immature bald with one of its parents.

That time the eagles were calling to one another and if you have never heard eagles it a high-pitched screech.  It would probably sound a lot better, but I took out my hearing aids as water and hearing aids don’t mix.

We continued paddling along the west shore, Idaho, and drifted down the lake as the strong current of the Salt River took control of our kayaks. Finally, the drift stopped, and we just sat and enjoyed the lakes beauty.

Three hours is about as long as I can sit in my kayak, and so we decided to paddle back to the truck, load the kayaks and head back home. It was a nice day and a nice easy float. The next time we plan on floating the Salt. It’s clear now and it should be perfect for fly fishing. Clear skies