South Florida's only federally designated Wild and Scenic River, the seven-mile Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee, begins its journey at Palm Beach County's Riverbend Park. You can rent a canoe or kayak at the park and explore the serene, cypress-soaked waters of the tannin-stained river. The river meanders north through the District's Loxahatchee River/Cypress Creek Management Area and then on to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Canoeists and landlubbers alike can investigate a restored slough at Riverbend. Park managers discovered the slough when they removed a thick growth of exotic plants. The slough was part of the headwaters of the river long before a nearby major drainage canal diverted flow. The restored slough and other public-owned lands to the west and south help ensure a more natural water regime, greatly benefiting the river.

A two-mile segment of the Ocean to Lake Trail goes through Riverbend. Look for trail signs. Take advantage of the numerous nature trails as well. You can see several exhibits that celebrate the Seminole Indian heritage. Bicycling, fishing and picnicking will also be available.

For more information on Riverbend Park, call the Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation Department at 561-966-6600.

Additional recreational opportunities are available at the Cypress Creek area.

For real-time flow data and stage information on the Loxahatchee River at the Lainhart Dam, see SFWMD's Site Status Report.
 

Activities by Site

• Loxahatchee River/Cypress Creek Management Area: bicycling, boating, canoeing (from Riverbend Park), equestrian trails, fishing, hiking, kayaking
• Riverbend Park: bicycling, canoeing, equestrian trails, fishing, hiking, kayaking
   

Directions

• Riverbend Park:
  Take I-95 or Florida's Turnpike to Indiantown Road in Jupiter. Go west on Indiantown for 1 mile. Turn left into the entrance of Riverbend.
• Cypress Creek:
  Take I-95 or Florida's Turnpike to Indiantown Road in Jupiter. Go west on Indiantown for 2.5 miles. Immediately after Jupiter Farms Road, turn right into Palm Beach County's Cypress Creek Natural Area parking area (from parking area you can horseback ride, hike or bike approximately 1 mile north to access the SFWMD Cypress Creek Management Area).