Elkhart River in Indiana

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Benton to Goshen Dam

The upper section of the Elkhart River from Benton Landing PAS down to the Goshen Dam Millpond PAS was the objective of the river exploratory crew manned by Tim Weybright and myself on Saturday May 9, 2015.

It is a beautiful section of the river that revealed its true nature to us around every bend beyond sight from any reasonable prior scouting location such as access points and bridge crossings.

The river provided ten opportunities to pause and marvel at the surroundings between Benton and Baintertown; typically from an elevated view point above the river while standing on fallen trees seeking that balance between man and nature, one hand dragging my canoe in the current across this gift from the river. Another eight opportunities awaited us after lunch in Baintertown on our travels down the river to Goshen in a stretch we were positive was open water.

But how can I even count the number of joys provided by the trees that beckoned us to slip quietly beneath their branches hovering only a boat height or less above the waters surface. Lying on my back in the bottom of my wet canoe, I could enjoy the clear sky above and closely observe the underside of the wood while driving tree bark up my nose.

The banks beckoned us to walk them at times with our boats when the rivers abundance was so great. Here we could observe the plant life ranging from stinging nettle to assorted thorns and bristles caressing our skin.

The bright red blood on the backs of our hands contrasted with the deep green of the vegetation around us, forming red swirling pools when we washed in the cool water upon our rejoining with the river. Tim and I conspired at the take out 12 miles and 6 hours later on the means to invite others to share this river experience without reaching a firm conclusion.


This was written by Tim Weybright who has given permission for me to submit.

Fees:

No

Directions:

Put in In Benton, IN where US 33 crosses the Elkhart River

Trip Details

  • Skill Level: Advanced
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location