Lower Saranac Lake Kayak Trip

On Sunday, May 27th, five of us (Mike, Michael, Jeffrey, Jim and myself) got together for a half-day kayak from Second Pond through Lower Saranac Lake to Ampersand Bay.  Everyone was in town the prior evening, so we all went out to dinner the night before at Casa del Sol in Saranac Lake.

In the morning, we all met up again at the outfitters just prior to 9AM.  After getting ready the outfitter drove us up to the boat ramp on Second Pond.  It was about 10AM when we finally hit the water.  It was absolutely gorgeous out.  We initially headed eastward to explore Second Pond.  It was fairly peaceful through here with views of Ampersand Mountain just to the south.  After checking this out we headed back, past the boat ramp and through First Pond out into Lower Saranac Lake.  Almost immediately we could see the sheer cliff on Bluff Island.  It was about 11AM and we headed south first, so that we could time our lunch break back on Bluff Island.  We checked out some of the islands and camps, which dot the shoreline.  After some time, we headed back towards Bluff Island and we found a landing beach on the west side by about 12:30PM.  We headed up and checked out several ledges including the top of the bluff, which is about 65 feet about the lake.  It also provided awesome views to the east, south and north.

This island is known for it's cliff jumping, but there was noone else there and as it turned out we really didn't have time anyway.  The water was fairly warm though (Jim took a quick dip by the landing spot) and it would have been great to hang here longer...another time!  Anyway, we had our lunch on the top of the cliff wall and by about 1:30 we had to head back for a 2:30 pick-up by the outfitters.  The timing was perfect.  We made it back up the lake to the take-out spot in Ampersand Bay just moments before he arrived to take us back.

This was a great paddle with a wilderness feel (there is no development on the lake except for a few houses at the northern end of Ampersand Bay).  We couldn't have asked for better weather too.  Big thanks to Jim, Michael, Mike and Jeffrey for making the drive to join me.  I thoroughly enjoyed the company!

Afterwards we headed to Donnelly's ice cream stand just west outside of the town.  It was pretty good soft serve.  From here, Jeffrey and Jim had to head out; I had the ADK annual dinner; and the 2 Michaels went out to dinner in Lake Placid.

This is a self-guided trip to explore a portion of one of the Adirondack's most scenic waterways.  This is a half-day paddle (about 4-5 hours and 5-6 miles) and is being coordinated through Adirondack Outfitters in Saranac Lake.  Through this modest paddle we will have the opportunity to explore the many islands, which dot the lake, and take in its open views.  Despite the fact that this is close to the town of Saranac Lake, there is little development on the lake itself...the shores and islands contain 87 campsites.

One of the prime spots in the Adirondacks for cliff jumping awaits us at the sheer cliffs of Bluff Island.  Here we will have lunch atop the cliffs and anyone brave enough, can also take the plunge.  There are ledges at heights of appoximately 15', 40' and 65'.  Even if there are no takers, the cliffs will provide wonderful views into the surrounding watershed and mountains (the closest being Dewey and Ampersand).

To whet your appetite, YouTube videos showing the cliff jumps are here and here .

I will contact each guy who signs up about the payment details.  The cost of this half-day paddle is $55.00.  This includes the transporation, kayak, paddle, PDF and map of the route.  Note:  Each participant will be required to sign an Assumption of Risk and Release of Liability Waiver before we venture out.  Also, I will coordinate a group reservation or each individual will be emailed instructions to make a reservation, when we know the interest level.

You MUST possess at least basic swimming skills.

Canoes may be rented, if participants would rather double up and canoe rather than kayak.

Rain does not cancel this.  Only hazardous weather and/or the outfitter will cancel.

What to Bring:  A towel, water shoes/aqua socks, swimsuit, lunch, snacks and water.  Optionally, pack bug repellent and sunscreen and anything else that you may require for a day out. 

Afterwards:  We should be completed with the paddle by 2PM.  If there is sufficient interest, we'll walk around downtown Saranac Lake and get ice cream or snacks/drinks afterwards.