Riven Lake and the Little Clyde River
#11 (Lanark Highlands)
This is a cute, easy paddle providing there is enough water in the river. All through the area, you will hear and see alder flycatchers plus many more bird species.
How To Get There: From Perth take County Rd. 511 past Hopetown and next left past County Rd. 16 at Lammermoor Rd. From Ottawa take Hwy. 7 past Carleton Place to County Rd. 15 to Lanark Village and County Rd. 511, then north to Lammermoor Rd. The Launch Site: 1/2 km on Lammermoor to double culverts. This is Little Clyde River.
The Paddle: Upriver as far as you can go (subject to beaver dams). For entrance to Rivens Lake, keep right. Small lake interesting to ircumnavigate. Good picnic area on rocky bluff. For downriver, go through the culvert at launch site.
Watch For: Nesting alder flycatchers and other marsh species. Portage beaver dams with caution. Downriver may be plugged at culverts.
Seasonal Information: River best in spring and early summer.
It was early June when we did this trip and there was plenty of water. In dryer times, you might find the river blocked in a few places by beavers. Depending upon your confidence, you can get over these dams easily and continue. Enjoy.
