Merriman (Nebraska)

Description

When the familiar world we have surrounded ourselves in while making a living, and attending distractions we call entertainment tarnish our adventurous nature, then it’s time for a wilderness canoe trip. The Boundry Waters, Central Ontario, the Colorado River would certainly relieve the need-some-adventure-in-life feeling. However long travel times means less canoe time for those of us who must maintain a foot in the real world of jobs and family responsibilities. So, go on a wilderness canoe trip in Nebraska! Really.

The Snake River from Highway 61 to Doughboy Bridge has few roads, no towns and very few buildings along its sandy banks. There are however a good number of not very wildernessy fences to add to your adventure. About 36 miles of the twisting water trail through the central SandHills will require some pre-trip planning and a good dose of canoe skill while going down the river.

We passed under only three bridges, 2 of which were very sketchy looking from below. Once we set off from Hwy 61 we were committed to the entire route, which we planned would take 2.5 days of easy canoeing. The only miscalculation was the “easy canoeing” part. This river challenged us after lulling us through wide shallow areas that suddenly become very narrow (less than a cane length wide) full of half fallen cedar trees (strainers), drop offs and waterfalls, some of which require short portages.

Two waterfalls of note. Both were about 4 feet tall crossing the entire river, no side chute to sneak around. The first one ( Abbott Ranch) made a wonderful mid- afternoon refresher as we walked over, in, under and behind the falls. The second is a large spout pouring over a shelf with steep banks above and below. 100 yard Portage required.

Many shelves of 1-2 feet high required lining the canoe down with ropes while walking next to it in the water or on the banks.

The Snake River has many personalities it displays while following its course. Cedars trees completely filling the banks and top of the water, treeless sandhills with grassy banks, swampy oxbow lakes loaded with cattails and calamus, slow and wide, narrow and fast.

All this character comes with a stipulation you must grant…no cell phone reception. You are on your own baby! I told you this was a wilderness trip!

Summary Details

Put-In HWY 61 (south of Meriman NE), then about 36 river miles to Doughboy bridge (Hwy 16F south of Nenzel).

We canoed a total of about 17 hours, and spent two nights camping on the river. We finished early afternoon on the third day.

ALL RESPONSIBLE CANOEIST need to get permission to camp on the various ranches long before it is time for the trip. All property along the river is private. Treat it as you would someone’s yard. I looked up the owners of the various ranches by searching the Cherry County Assessors office website then wrote them letters (you remember paper and pen, stamp and envelope?) and politely asked for permission.

You may email me if you are serious about canoeing this Nebraska wilderness area. bheus6@gmail.com

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Location & Directions

• Body of Water: Snake River
• Coordinates: 42.613843702908, -101.27742290497
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