Trip Report, Jan 28, 2012
Myself and 8 amazing companions paddled the Indian River Lagoon from Coral Cove Park in Tequesta to Cove Road park in Stuart on this perfect day.
The weather was sunny and mild and we paddled with the tide. Manatees were out, as were osprey and pelicans. We stopped a few times to stretch and snack. By noon, there were quite a few motor boats and we had fun surfing the wakes. The total distance was 15 easy miles.
We stopped for lunch at Peck's Lake Park. The river widens here and Jupiter Island is very narrow, making for a very short walk to the beach. The Atlantic was clear, cold and a deep turquoise color.
Directions to Coral Cove Park, 19648 County Highway 707, 33469. Drive to the intersection of US1 and Beach Road in Tequesta. Turn east, go over the bridge, then continue north, the road curves. Watch on your left for a split rail fence along the river. Parking is permitted (along the fence) sunrise to sunset and there is no charge. There are restrooms on the east side, at the north end of the park. There is also pedestrian beach access from this parking lot. This spot can be very busy on weekends with boat traffic and beachgoers on both the river side and the ocean side. It is also a great fishing spot. At low tide, there are exposed sand bars and march flats. This area is also popular with manatees and other bird and fish life.
Directions to Cove Road Park: Go to the intersection of US1 and Cove Road in Stuart. Go east. The road dead ends into this small park with picnic tables and a nice sandy beach. The canoe/kayak launch is on the north end. Parking is free and the park is open 24 hours. There are no restrooms or water.
Paddling directions: paddle north from Coral Cove Park. There are intermittent beaches to stop and stretch. Abour 5 miles north on the west side is the visitor center for the Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge. This is in a big bay and from the water can be identified by a beach and a dock. There are restrooms and water. It is a bit of a climb up the bank and there are steps. Further north on the west side is Jimmy Graham park where there are picnic tables and restrooms. Finding the entrance from the water is tricky. A short distance further is Peck Lake Park. This park has restrooms and picnic tables and is easy to see however there is no path from the water so for practical purposes is not accessible. Peck Lake Park Beach access is a short diatance farther on the east side. It is easy to identify because there are usually several large sailboats moored nearby, taking advantage of the calm deeper water. There is a path across the beach at the south and north end of the park and the one at the north end is marked with a big sign.
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