Swanson Creek

Swanson Creek

A few weeks back I did a paddle that I have thought about for years; every time I drive down hwy 19 in Riding Mountain National Park. It always provided that sense of mystery, “I wonder what is around the corner? I wonder where this stream goes?” If it had an easier staging area, I might have explored it years earlier.

The day I decided to head down the creek, the horse flies and wasps were horrendous. This might have helped to get me in the water quicker and when I did, I enjoyed one of the most peaceful paddles I have ever had. The scenery is always awesome in the park and on this paddle; there were no signs of man. No hydro poles, no towers, roads, bridges, or foot trails. This was backcountry at its best and you really got that feeling that very few if any had ever ventured these waters.

I was expecting to see more wildlife, but it was limited to a few ducks and a Great Blue Heron, I contribute that to this being a mid afternoon trip. I did have to climb over a beaver dam on my way up stream. I followed a very twisty creek until reaching the small lake that formed the headwaters and then made a lap around its perimeter. There were a few forks in the creek, but I didn’t explore all of them. The water level was not an issue in this creek and easily paddled in the kayak.

I have stopped so many times while travelling Hwy 19 to look south down the creek that it was somewhat surreal to be upstream and looking north towards the Hwy 19 crossing. This was one of two paddles that day that where on my long list of “I should paddle that someday” list of places in the park. Check out the Mystic Kayak Facebook page for nore photos.