Canoeing the Ana River - Summer Lake Oregon - High Desert - May 2023

I had an amazing time canoeing down a section of the Ana River for approximately 3 miles. It is the shortest spring-fed river in Oregon. The culverts at the head of the river carry water for about 400' from the spring-fed Ana reservoir into the river. The little waterfalls around the head of the river are spring-fed as well. I paddled my 33 lb. canoe like a kayak using a double-bladed paddle. It was super quiet, just the sound of birds, trickling water and my paddling. I saw fish, snakes, frogs, dragonflies, an owl, lizard, beaver (or muskrat), red-wing black birds and a trumpeter swan. Over the last 25 years I have paddled dozens of creeks, rivers and lakes in Oregon and in my opinion this river has the most beautiful water I have seen. I spent half my time looking down in the water mesmerized by the vivid colors and clarity. Snake at 5:16. Beaver or muskrat at 13:15.

[@davewinch7677]

I love paddling little channels like this, especially on a warm beautiful day.

[@robinandrhie]

Exactly. And when you have the place to yourself its icing on the cake.

[@timwmoore2133]

Beautiful area! Our favorite Spring time place for photographing birds and other wildlife!

[@davidsalo8397]

I enjoy hearing only the splash from your paddle. And the chirping of birds. Trying to wade/walk this stream is very difficult. Brushy with deep mud. Looks very snakey too.

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

That's a cool area... there are a lot of interesting things to see and do w/in 50 miles of there. There are caves, geysers petroglyphs, fossils, dunes, obsidian, Crack-in-the-ground, Fort Rock, Hole-in-the-ground, Lost forest, Abert Rim, etc.

[@steveparsons6324]

Are you crazy, it’s horrible over there. Mosquitoes will drain you of blood… ticks… rattlesnakes… Simply horrible! 😂

[@consentofthegoverned5145]

@@steveparsons6324 True- and wind and ghosts too... no one should ever go there! STAY AWAY!

[@robinandrhie]

Yes and few people!

[@bamboo-spined9689]

Havent been here in over 10 years. Alot of childhood memories though. It looks the same too. I use to rinse off in the little water fall down there. Thanks for posting.

[@Cyfi71]

Very nice paddle, kind of reminds me of the Verde River in Cottonwood, Az. Summer lake is now on my list for this summer!,😎

[@SkylinersYeti]

Paddling is flat water is so relaxing. You hear or see more wildlife and see the world in a different way. Another place I have been wanting to check out is the lower section of the Chewaukan River. It has been a wetter than average winter and the Warner Wetlands may now be paddleble.

[@leedogs3420]

Bummer you didn’t fish. But I enjoyed it anyway

[@richardmitton4115]

Wow! Cool video and great water! So quiet and secluded. Old Town Pack? Or? Looks like a perfect short float!

[@longrider42]

Is this a man made river? It looks interesting enough. I'd use my Kayak. Looks like it was a great day too.

[@TreDeuce-qw3kv]

River? Looks like an irrigation canal or a creek. Water is sure translucent probably because of little dissolved iron, and the inclusion of phytoplankton. The amazing variety birds around the area warrants a visit wit my 500 and my sit-on kayak. Thanks for the post

[@robinandrhie]

Yes its more of a creek but I was just using the official name of the water feature.

[@wangchung8134]

It was definitely the little dissolved iron or the inclusion of phytoplankton...thanks for the breakdown Darwin....now back to nature without the science class LOL.

[@carolhiler4690]

Great video Robin! We love the Summer Lake area and we love to kayak. Did you paddle back up to the culverts? We would love to try this sometime.

[@robinandrhie]

Yes I paddled up to the road called county highway 4-17. It was a very different and amazing canoe trip.

[@davidsalo8397]

A shuttle is required.

[@carlperry5932]

Poling would be useful

[@crunchfootjim4936]

Beautiful little stream but looks like it carries alot of nitrates.

[@stevemorton9585]

Snorkel and mask please😎

[@robinandrhie]

Lol

[@DavidJones-ly9bh]

Where is all the wildlife..and were the pipes draining farm fields,?

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

I was just wondering about those pipes as well.

[@davidsalo8397]

The pipes drain water from the reservoir, which is fed by springs.