So I just moved back into the City of Chicago proper. I decided to paddle the length of the Chicago River from north to south. I decided to start at Howard Ave., which is the farthest north boundary of the city limits. So on 06/22/23 I started. my wife dropped me at Howard Ave. and Oak Park Ave. where the river crosses under Howard Ave.
Start: Howard St / Oak Park Ave Take-out: Ted Lechowicz Woods
Total elapsed time: 2:40 Total Distance: 4.9 mi
The water has a distinct "scent." Not pleasant, but not overwhelmingly bad.
I saw a healthy young white-tail buck, and three does, including one with a fawn.
I saw several blue herons, various crows, grackles, etc. and one hawk. I could not ID the hawk as it was under a bridge. I had to pull over two beaver dams and several blown down trees. I also saw a fairly large crawfish (apprx.2.5 inch) and many carp. The water was clear and shallow.
My lemonade was in two Nalgene bottles. But when I decided to take a drink I realized that the Nalgenes were soaked in river water on the bottom of the canoe. I did not want to put my mouth anywhere near that water so I went thirsty. That cut my paddle short by a mile or so.
Next time I will make sure the drinks are kept away from the river water.
This was my first paddle of 2023 so 5 miles is an acceptable distance. I was not too sore the next day so I am encouraged.
Next is the 4.5 miles or so to River Park.

A couple of photos from Day 1.... Original Put-in was at the Niles PD Wetlands parking lot on the south side of Howard St.

Nice!
I’ve only done Skokie Lagoon to Morton Grove somewhere. Cook County Forest Preserve District used to do a New Years Day paddle. i think it was about 11F out, but a lot of fun and more scenic than one would expect the Chicago River to be.
Now & then, working downtown, I’ll bring a telescopic rod and fish at lunchtime. If I ever see a Northstar paddle by I’ll assume it’s you!

Hey jcavenaugh, hope you're well! Glad to see you got out recently.

Hey Jim - good to see you exploring the city waters. I live not too far from that Niles put-in. If you want to do a group paddle, let me know. Also, the Des Plaines River is a fun paddle from Mundelein to Des Plaines. Have done that a couple of times. Cook County Forest Preserve has done a great job cleaning up the Des Plaines. Used to fish there with my friends as kids and we swore it was an open sewer in the 70’s. Now, amazingly clean.

AdamX

Hey Everyone!!
Well, I wanted to do the Chicago River over the summer, but as happens, life got in the way.
I would really like to complete the Chicago River to the Chicago Portage next year, but also the Des Plaines would be a fun paddle too.
I will contact you in the late winter, early spring to see if we can get together.
You have my email address so hit me up if you want to do something.

Hey Jim and all!

I’m still in Chicago and interested in paddling on the river.

I have a kayak. Also a puppy I need to teach about being a good boat buddy, but I don’t think I want her on the Chicago river. Other rivers would be good.

Hey, you guys!
Yes, I think we should look at maybe mid-to-late march for a Des Plaines paddle.

so...Hawthorn Mall to 294 Intersect?? about 18 miles??

jcavenagh: "Hey, you guys!
Yes, I think we should look at maybe mid-to-late march for a Des Plaines paddle."

Still wintering in FL, but will reach out in early May when I’m back for the season. Enjoy your local paddling.

AdamX

jcavenagh: "so...Hawthorn Mall to 294 Intersect?? about 18 miles??"

I’ve done Hawthorne Mall (Route 60) to Big Bend take out in Des Plaines a few times. Good 2.5 - 3 hours paddle depending on conditions. Also the Des Plaines paddle marathon is held in mid-May. Fun, but EXTREMELY congested paddle.

AdamX