Charles River in Massachusetts

Trip Overview

Paddled from the Artesani Park launch off Soldiers Field Road (Boston/Newton border - across from Harvard's stadium), down through the Esplanade tidal pools.

Pools along Esplanade provide an excellent place for a rest/nap/picnic.

Aim for a day with an easterly breeze (or anything but westerly). I listed this paddle as moderate only because heading back upstream with a westerly wind is certainly a good workout. Decent chop within the lower Charles River Basin adds to the workout.

Accommodations:

Port-a-pottie at Artesani Park, restrooms along Esplanade further down the Charles.

Fees:

No

Directions:

From the West: I-90 East to Rt 16/Watertown/Newton exit - follow signs to Charlesbank Road. This will become Soldiers Field Road.

From the North/South/East: take Storrow Drive westbound until it becomes Soldiers Field Road. Artesani Park is a right turn off of Soldiers Field Road westbound.

Resources:

Charles River Watershed Association has a good guide to the entire Charles River.