Snake River Loop
9.6 miles
August 2016
My first Misery Paddle Tour and proper river paddling trip as an adult! I had the hare-brained idea that I should go on a loop river paddle trip, where I start and finish at the same place. In looking at the map, I determined that if I paddle south (upstream) on the Arnheim Ditch, eventually I'd intercept the now-derelict Snake River corridor. From there, it'd be as simple as following it downstream until I reached Lake Superior. Then I could paddle back to my put-in. Easy peasy.
Or not. The Arnheim Ditch was fine sailing, but the Snake River was choked up with fallen trees, beaver dams, and a trillion lily pads and unimaginable quagmires of duckweed. It was honestly kinda gross. I suppose that's what happens when a river has no flow in it! Along the way we found a bunch of old rusty cars in the woods, one of which had an epic hood ornament that I managed to pry off and take home with me.