Adirondack Saranac River Drainage

The Saranac River system is one of the most popular water routes in the area. This drainage system is made up of some small lakes and ponds near Lake Clear, the three Saranac Lakes (Upper, Middle and Lower), Oseetah Lake and Lake Flower. This chain of lakes is a great place to paddle, offering open water, great views, and sandy beaches.

The distance from Upper Saranac Lake to Lake Flower is about 25 to 30 miles. There is one carry (about ½ mile) on this route. There are many opportunities for hiking along the way and campsites are plentiful. (Note: The campsites on Middle and Lower Saranac Lakes are managed by the state, and are accessible by water only. There is a fee for camping on these sites from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reservations are strongly recommended during this time.) There are many access points to this large network of river and lakes. A trip through the Upper Saranac River and headwaters can begin or end practically at our door. Give us a call to discus the possibilities.

For an extended trip on the Saranac River drainage you can start your adventure in the Floodwood Pond area, or in the western edge of the Saint Regis Canoe Area. Another option for extending your trip is to start on the Racquette River in the village of Long Lake. This would add approximately 1-2 days to your trip.

Below the Village of Saranac Lake, the river is canoeable for about nine or ten miles before reaching Permanent Rapids. Beyond the rapids is Franklin Falls and another stretch that can be canoed. The river is intermittently canoeable beyond this point. Most of the land along the river is private and there is little opportunity for camping. This section of the river is more suited to day trips than overnights.