Chicago area recreational paddler

I’m looking forward to spring and warmer weather up here in the Chicago/Joliet area. I try to go weekdays after work (5pm) or weekends anytime. I prefer leisurely trips around nearby forest preserve lakes, but easy rivers are an option too. Let me know if you’re interested!

paddling club?
Here’s a club you may be interested in;

http://prairiestatecanoeists.org/

Some paddling options
I live in Lemont and frequently put in the Desplaines at Lemont or just up stream of Rt83. Usually paddle up stream and then back down. Not much current in that area. There is also some stone quarries just east of town you can drive up to. It is park property and lots of people use them.

If you are looking for a place to camp watch this thread

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/forumdisplay.php/114-Midwest a guy with a board name markglist frequently hikes or bikes into a primitive camp site. I have paddled down the river to the site and camped with the group.

I&M Canal campout
Inew52

Are you still out there? Take a look at this thread. https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/showthread.php/107674-I-amp-M-Canal-in-April I have joined these guys at the camp ground by putting in at Channahon and paddling to the camp ground. To paddle back to Channahon may require to get your feet wet or get out .25 mile before Channahon and walk back and get your car.


SW chicagoland
Hello,



This will be my first season kayaking and I’m very interested. I’m in the Willowbrook area, close to the des plaines, salt creek, and SW cook county preserves.



-Steve

Short paddle
SlothDabski

I put in the Des-Plaines at Rt 83 frequently. Usually paddle up stream for an hour or two then back. What days of the week are you interested or can you paddle week days? I sometimes pack a sandwich and something to drink. I know a few other people who might be interested. There is also a pizza place at Rt 83 just south of I 55 for an after paddle bite to eat.

MagicPaddler

short paddle planned
A few of us are going paddling on the DesPlaines on Wednesday (tomorrow 5/27/15). We plan on meeting at the boat ramp just upstream of RT83 at 5PM. We will paddle upstream for a while and then drift while we eat whatever we brought. Then paddle back to our cars. To find the boat ramp cut and paste the numbers below into Bing map and it will give you a map showing the ramp.

41.710023 -87.931941

All are welcome to join us.