2025 Jordan River Lake to Lake Paddle Series

The Jordan River Commission staff conducts this annual trip for important reconnaissance work. We invite our partners and the public to join us to explore and learn about the Jordan River.

The Lake to Lake Paddle Series is intended for more experienced paddlers with their own boat. Please consider your own skills and comfort before signing up. These are long and strenuous paddles with navigational hazards, such as low hanging branches, snags and swift currents. There are also sections of the river that require portaging and carrying your boat.

Please read about each weeks paddle to learn more before you sign up.

Please read this overview carefully before you sign up.

Participants must:

Be able to navigate a boat around obstacles on moving water and self rescue if capsized
Be able to independently get in and out of the boat and carry boat at portages
Be physically fit and have no major health concerns to participate in the event
Have proficient water safety skills
Provide cell phone number and have fully charged phone at event
Properly wear approved life jacket and follow all safety training given by the Commission.
Participants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian participating with them.

What to wear/bring:

Tested and sturdy watercraft and paddles (inflatables are not recommended for Week 1,2,4)
Properly sized and fitted type I or II personal floatation device (life jacket), designed for activities in moving water.
Sturdy water shoes (no flip flops)
Sun, rain or wind protection
Sunglasses, hat
Sunscreen, First Aid, safety whistle
Full water bottle, snack
Fully charged cell phone
Medication you may require
Dry bag and waterproof phone case (we have some if you need)
Bilge pump, rope throw bag and other safety equipment

Safety:

The Jordan River Commission staff lead these paddles but are not certified guides, lifeguards, or paddling instructors.
Boaters are responsible for their own safety, and must be healthy and fit enough to get in and out of boats independently, self rescue and right their boat in the event of capsizing, as well as portage their boat (which there will be a few on each section).
If we get to a point during the paddle where conditions may require exiting the river, we will do that as quickly and safely as possible.
If we exit the river short of a destination, it is our intent to work together to get everyone safely to their destination using the Jordan River Trail or ride share services if necessary.
WE WILL CANCEL THE PADDLE AND NOTIFY PARTICIPANTS if the forecast is unsafe for paddling. Please consider your own comfort, and let us know ahead of time if you won't be attending.
Please read through the logistics and hazards on each paddle below to make sure you are prepared. You can also review our Water Trail Map and the Paddle Video Series created by Troy Adair for more information about each section of the river.

Transportation Info:

Participants provide their own transportation and shuttle for this event.
Meet at 2pm at the launch location to coordinate a shuttle with other participants

Please reach out directly to Rachel Turk if you have any questions: rachel@jordanrivercommission.gov 801-831-1937

Week 1 | June 6 | 7800 S. to 2320 S.

We have limited space, separate registration is required for each participant.

Start Location: 7800 South Boat Ramp, Midvale (see map below)
End Location: Redwood Trailhead Park, West Valley (2320 S.)

Distance: 10.4 miles
Duration: 4-6 hours

Shuttle Meet up Time: 2:00pm
Arrive back at Start: 2:30pm
Launch Time: 3:00pm

More information shared after you are registered for the event.

After registration, watch email and text messages for updates to the event time or location. Cancelation or postponement may be necessary due to river or weather conditions on the day of the event.

Week 1 Portages & Navigation Hazards:

7600 S Midvale Slag Millrace man made cement weir & boulder rapid - can navigate in high water, or use portage
6400 S. Winchester Park manmade rapid over utility crossing with ramps and path – portage recommended.
4600 S. manmade gentle rapid – easy paddle, or use new portage

Week 2 | June 13 | 1700 S. to Porters Landing

We have limited space, separate registration is required for each participant.

Start Location: 1700 S. River Park (link below)
End Location: Porters Landing Boat Ramp (North Salt Lake)

Distance: 10 miles
Duration: 4 hours

Shuttle Meet up Time: 2:00pm
Arrive back at Start: 2:30pm
Launch Time: 3:00pm

More information shared after you are registered for the event.

After registration, watch email and text messages for updates to the event time or location. Cancelation or postponement may be necessary due to river or weather conditions on the day of the event.

Week 2 Portages and Navigational Hazards:

We will start at 1700 S. and will paddle up river towards 2100 S. for those who want to see this part of the river.
200 S. Canoe Chute, easy to go through, long portage if necessary.
Between 1800 N. and Porters Landing, there are a few navigational hazards where trees limbs are blocking a large section of the river.

Week 3 | June 20 | Inlet Park to Thanksgiving Point Trailhead

We have limited space, separate registration is required for each participant.

Start Location: Inlet Park, Saratoga Springs
End Location: Thanksgiving Point Trailhead, Lehi City

Distance: 6.6 miles
Duration: 4 hours

Shuttle Meet up Time: 2:00pm
Arrive back at Start: 2:30pm
Launch Time: 3:00pm

More information shared after you are registered for the event.

After registration, watch email and text messages for updates to the event time or location. Cancelation or postponement may be necessary due to river or weather conditions on the day of the event.

Week 3 Note:

This section of river is wider and more gentle. For participants who may want to paddle past the Thanksgiving Point takeout, you will need to paddle back upriver to get back, as there are no public access past this point.

Week 4 | June 27 | Rotary Park to 7800 S.

We have limited space, separate registration is required for each participant.

Start Location: Jordan River Rotary Park, Draper (see map below)
End Location: 7800 South Boat Ramp, Midvale

Distance: 7.4 miles miles
Duration: 3-4 hours

Shuttle Meet up Time: 2:00pm
Arrive back at Start: 2:30pm
Launch Time: 3:00pm

More information shared after you are registered for the event.

After registration, watch email and text messages for updates to the event time or location. Cancelation or postponement may be necessary due to river or weather conditions on the day of the event.

Week 4 Portages and Navigation Hazards:

Bluffdale to Rotary Park - this section of river is narrow and overgrown with tight turns that can be difficult to navigate.
9400 S North Jordan Canal Diversion Dam portage with ramps and path – mandatory portage (1/4mile walk with boats)
9000 South Bridge - construction has been happening, tbd on hazards.
8800 S Small Rapid over utility crossing – can navigate in high water, or portage