Kayaking on the Ipswich River

We’ve always wanted to own our own kayaks, but a lack of storage space has prevented us from actually getting them, until now! We recently found the Intex Challenger K1 inflatable kayak and decided to give it a try. After a test run on Field Pond in Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, we decided to take them on a 4 mile paddle on the Ipswich River which runs through Wilmington, Reading, North Reading, Middleton, Topsfield, Boxford, Hamilton and Ipswich which it finally empties in to Plum Island sound.

Our day began making sure we had all the necessities, water, towels, dry bag, life jackets, paddles, sunscreen, and, of course, the kayaks! Our destination was the Ipswich River as it meandered through Bradley Palmer State Park in Topsfield. The put in spot was perfect; there was ample parking too, so finding a spot was very easy. We unloaded the kayaks and easily inflated them next to the river. The setup process is surprisingly easy too, and takes just a few moments to inflate. The decision was made to paddle up river and get the harder work out of the way first and off we went. This section of the river is also traveled by individuals utilizing a kayak rental facility downstream, but it is wide enough that maneuvering was very easy, even though the river was a little low from the recent drought. While we did see other paddlers, we didn’t have any trouble finding large sections to ourselves.

We took our time on the way upstream, reveling in this beautiful area just 40 minutes outside of Boston. The banks were covered in a variety of vegetation ranging from towering oaks to swaying wetland grasses. At one point we slowed down to watch a mother Canada Goose and her almost-adult chicks swimming along the shoreline. We kept our distance, it is important to remember Canada Geese like plenty of room! The way up river was full of lily pads, many of which boasted stunningly beautiful blooms.

As our paddle was during a time with a lower water level, we reached a point that we didn’t want to risk the kayaks hitting logs or sticks; we were in inflatable kayaks after all!  We broke out the snacks and relaxed on the river, the current slowly pushing us back downstream. Once we started paddling the return trip was much quicker, but just as beautiful. We paddled past a group of ducks headed upstream, as well as plenty of turtles sunning on the logs with the legs comically stretched out. Reaching the put-in, we easily deflated the kayaks and returned them to their totes. While we had our concerns about paddling in an inflatable kayak, they did a fantastic job navigating the river and were well worth the purchase. As always, the Ipswich River offered a wonderful paddling experience and just the outdoor adventure we were looking for!

While our paddle was finished, the adventure wouldn’t be complete without a reward after a long morning of paddling. Since we were nearby, we headed to True North Ale Company for a beer and snack. They are set up with a large tent outside to provide a safely spaced out beer garden vibe. We munched on soft pretzels with delicious mustards and enjoyed some fantastic brews. In particular the Dunkel and tangerine sours were a big hit. It was the perfect way to wrap up a wonderful trip.

I highly recommend this river trip for those that are interested! The parking lot can be found here. If you don’t have kayaks, but still want to experience this paddle, check out Foote Brothers Canoe/Kayak Rentals and they will get you all set up! We’ve used their services many times in the past and they are a top notch outfitter.