Loxahatchee River / Riverbend Park
Jupiter, Florida · Palm Beach County
The Loxahatchee is Florida's only federally designated Wild and Scenic river, a narrow blackwater channel winding through cypress swamp inside Riverbend Park. It suits intermediate paddlers comfortable reading current and clearing the occasional log or old dam. Alligators, turtles, otters and wading birds turn up along the banks, especially on a calm morning paddle upstream.
The Paddle
This stretch of the Loxahatchee runs through old-growth cypress swamp under a jungle-like canopy, Florida's only federally protected Wild and Scenic river. The channel narrows and twists as you go, freshwater and tannin-dark, with alligators, turtles, otters and wading birds along the banks. Mornings are calmest, and water levels come up noticeably after rain, which makes the upper stretch easier to clear.
Launch & Parking
Riverbend Park has more than one launch: the main outfitter launch near the entrance, and a quieter put-in by Picnic Island for anyone bringing their own board. Park entry and parking are free, no state-park gate fee here.
Rentals
Jupiter Outdoor Center runs rentals and guided trips on this stretch of river, the only outfitter currently authorized for commercial tours here. If you'd rather paddle your own gear, the Picnic Island launch keeps you clear of the rental traffic.
Rules & Safety
Expect current the whole way, a narrow channel that keeps twisting, and spots where you'll have to portage around downed trees or shallow rapids, including at the Lainhart and Masten dams upriver. Paddling back against the current can wear out anyone who underestimates it. Statewide paddleboard rules apply on this water too; the summary below covers them.
Before You Go
Island Water Sports in Delray Beach is 33.6 miles from Riverbend Park. Stop in for a paddleboard, paddle and leash if you'd rather bring your own gear than rent, a dry bag for keeping your phone dry on a blackwater run, or a lesson before you tackle moving current.
Florida paddleboard rules
Outside designated swimming, surfing, and bathing areas, Florida and the U.S. Coast Guard treat a stand-up paddleboard as a vessel, which means basic boating rules apply. Carry one Coast Guard approved life jacket for each person on board, and children under 6 must wear theirs while the board is underway. You also need a whistle or other sound device audible for at least half a nautical mile, and after sunset or in poor visibility, a flashlight or lantern with a white light to signal your position. Inside a marked swimming or surfing area these vessel rules do not apply. Non-motorized paddleboards under 16 feet do not need Florida registration. Rules can change, so check current FWC guidance before you paddle.
Summarized from FWC and U.S. Coast Guard guidance, verified 2026-08-12. Rules can change; check current FWC guidance.
FAQ
How difficult is paddling the Loxahatchee River?
It's rated intermediate. Calm mornings and higher water after rain both help, but there's real current, a narrow twisting channel, and portages around downed trees and old dams upriver.
Can I rent a paddleboard at Riverbend Park?
Yes. Jupiter Outdoor Center is the on-site rental outfitter and the only one currently authorized for commercial tours on this stretch.
Is there a fee to park or launch at Riverbend Park?
No, park entry and parking are free, and there's a separate launch for private paddlers near Picnic Island in addition to the outfitter launch.
Nearby paddle spots
North Palm BeachPhil Foster Park / Singer Island
Riviera BeachLake Boca Raton
Boca RatonSullivan Park / Deerfield Island
Deerfield Beach