On a K&P trail hike a few years ago, I had marked this upper section
of the Clyde River as a “paddle here someday”! That “someday” finally arrived
on June 14th, 2020. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, I have more
Ontario time to explore the lakes and rivers of Lanark County.
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| Widow Lake, 11 km (PHC canoe) |
I launched my PHC canoe on the west side of Widow
Lake off the K&P trail. The source of the Clyde River is Clyde Lake – only
about 5 km north of Widow Lake. After getting in the water, I headed north to
see how far I could get towards the source. Once north of Widow
Lake, the river gets pretty narrow and shallow, so I didn’t get too
far. It would be another 2.5 km of paddling to Flower Round Lake,
and then another 2 km to get into Clyde Lake – if the river was navigable
(maybe in early spring).
It was then back to Widow Lake and a leisurely 1 km
paddle across the lake towards the Clyde River’s T-junction, where the river
starts its eastern journey. On this trip, I had decided to explore the southern
branch of the river and leave the main eastern section towards Joe’s Lake for
another day.
From the T-junction, I was able to paddle another 2.2
km south until the vegetation took over and blocked my progress. In
the spring, it should be possible to go further south (maybe 2
km). Also, it’s probably possible to paddle west for 2 km in early
spring at the T-junction.
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Both Widow Lake and the Clyde River’s south branch run parallel to the K&P trail. That has some access advantages, but there can be lots of ATV traffic on a weekend day. Since the K&P trail is an old railroad bed with lots of gravel, turtles come out on it for nesting. I found quite a few turtle nests, especially at the west branch culvert and the Clyde Forks Road culvert areas. On the paddle, I saw a few Painted Turtles out on logs and rocks.
The Clyde River south of Widow Lake is an amazing mat of Pond-Lilies (Variegated). It’s everywhere! Other nature sightings were Eastern Kingbird (including a nest), Northern Blue Flag, Blue Eyed Grasses, Meadow Anemone, and some species of Damselfly.
For more details on nature sightings, click here.
Today was a great canoe paddle in a rich natural area (well, except for the K&P trail). I would like to do this paddle again (both the south and west river branches) in May. Another paddle on the to-do-list is the section from the T-junction to Joe’s Lake (4 km or so).
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April 16, 2023, Upper South Branch of the Clyde River.
ReplyDeleteThis spring, while the water was high, I came to Clyde Forks to try and go further up the South Branch of the Clyde River. With high water, I managed to paddle about 3 km up the South Branch. It's a secluded/isolated area - especially nice on a beautiful day!
15Apr2024 dg, with Pete MacEwen and Art Solomonian
ReplyDeleteThis was a paddle outing to scout a new route for an MVFN trip. We launched from the K&P trail (just north of Clyde Forks JCT), paddled up to Flower Station Rd (via Widow Lake), and then went down the Clyde River to the Clyde Forks bridge. Before the paddling, we visited with Rob Vanderkam at his property in Clyde Forks.
04May2025, PHC canoe, South Branch
ReplyDeleteI plan to write a blog post for the South Branch later in the fall. I posted a short summary to Facebook (Lanark County Paddlers group).
In the spring, my favourite paddles are the small rivers and creeks of Lanark County. Most of these are only navigable in the early springtime. Today, I paddled the south branch of the upper Clyde River. The launch is at the junction of Clyde Forks Road and the K&P trail. I paddled up the creek until rocks/rapids blocked the way (about 3 km). This a natural environment with some wetlands but mostly a mixed forest area. There are a few beaver dams - one had to be hopped over on the way up. The highlight of the paddle was coming across a group of River Otters feeding and mingling (at least 4). Other nature sightings were Painted Turtles and numerous birds, ducks and geese.
2025-04-13, Upper Clyde and Widow Lake, Widgeon kayak
ReplyDeleteIn 2025, I did an early spring paddle from the new Clyde Forks bridge (SE corner). Before heading upriver, I went downriver and into the long south marsh. I encountered some Canada Geese and Trumpeter Swans in that marsh area. Then it was upriver to the junction and towards Widow Lake. There was still ice on Widow Lake, so I didn't get too far. Widow Lake was the only place that I saw ice on this outing. For more paddling, I made my way to the junction of the K&P Trail and Clyde Forks Road (big culvert). I had a quick lunch and then it was back to my starting point at the Clyde Forks bridge. I always enjoy a paddle on the upper Clyde, and today was no different.