Faka Union River

[Dallas]

Does anyone have a map or Garmin track of the Faka Union River? I can't seem to find one anywhere online.

[Terry]

Here's all 3, I can send a kmz but you don't need it.   The Faka Union and East are wide open the whole

way you don't even need a map.   The Fakahatchee is harder to follow but if you just follow where everyone

else has gone you'll be okay.

[Dallas]

Thanks Terry! I appreciate the information.

[Dallas]

Is there parking near bridge 030058? Is it OK to leave a car overnight?

[Gary M]

There is a primitive launch ramp at the SE corner of the bridge, and room to park your car off the roadway. Do not block the ramp though, others may take offense.

Leaving your car there is sketchy. I've never had a problem during the day, but have not / would not leave my car there through the night. Its probably safe, but is a gamble.

Port of the Islands marina will allow you to park your vehicle over night for $8. There is some security there. I've not had a problem. Its a short hike to the bridge.

If you do the loop back up the East River, you will need hike or hitch back to the bridge or the marina, not much difference.

[Dallas]

Thanks Gary, I think I'll take your advice and park at the marina.

[Gary M]

Dallas,

There are a couple routes that you can take to access what Terry is calling the Faka Union River from (what I call) the FU Canal. I always knew Terry's Route as "the old smugglers trail". By taking the side routes in you can launch at the marina and not have to hike or leave your boat unattended. The side routes themselves are kinda neat, but they do bring you into the smuggler trail below most of the upper lakes - with mostly only the mangrove creek section below. Nobody says you can't paddle back up to the lakes however... they are more interesting (to me) than the mangroves (and better for fishing).  

I could probably figure out how to post the best side route from Google Earth if you are interested.

[Dallas]

Thanks Gary,that would be great. I am planning to paddle that river sometime soon.

[yakmaster]

Now Dallas, There's a BIG difference between the FU canal & the FU river. like the difference between I-95 and the Blueridge Parkway!

 

The only common stretch is the last  stretch before you hit the bay. And it is quite clearly a river, especially now that thecanal has been plugged and more waterflow has been returned to the old streambed.

 

See Sue's article, it's a river.

[Dallas]

Thanks for the article. I'll be careful not to go down the FU Canal!