A huge interstate bridge above with drivers oblivious to the hundreds of swallow nests below are viewed by boaters on the Jordan River. Red-tailed hawks, American Kestrels and yellow-headed blackbirds can be spotted, followed by pelicans and Ibis as you near the Great Salt Lake. Paddlers share the natural space with fishermen, bikers on the Jordan River Trail and off-road vehicles taking a jump at the nearby OHV park. All are invited to experience the 10th annual Get to the River Festival – North Salt Lake Jordan River Paddle on Sept. 16 at 8:30 a.m. Free kayaks for the three-mile river trip and shuttles to return boaters to their cars will be available.

“We had 75 boaters last year and we have always had plenty of boats for comers,” Ali Avery, North Salt Lake Long Range Planner said. “One year we did two runs to accommodate the participants. It gets bigger every year.” 

Participants can also bring their own kayak, canoe or paddle board and take advantage of the free shuttle to retrieve their vehicle. This unique experience begins at the Riverview Boat Ramp in Salt Lake City at 1835 North Redwood Road and ends at Porter’s Landing Boat Takeout in North Salt Lake at 50 South Jordan River Drive. A food truck will be available for breakfast following the early morning paddle. 

North Salt Lake City joins the Jordan River Commission in sponsoring the event. North Salt Lake is the only city in Davis County with access to the river. Named for the Jordan River in the Holy Land that also connects a freshwater lake to a salty lake, Utah’s Jordan River has been getting a facelift over the decades. The Jordan River Commission has worked on water quality by installing a trash boom, trimming trees, removing bridges in poor repair and other hazards that used to block boaters. Volunteers regularly float the river providing cleanup and route maintenance. In 2017, Porter’s Landing was completed offering the first boat ramp along the North Salt Lake river front. It was named for long-time City Councilman, Stan Porter, who champions the river in North Salt Lake and is the longest-standing Jordan River Commission council member. In 2021, the Jordan River Bike Trail added a trail that connects to Porter’s Landing making it easier to use a bike to retrieve a car left upriver. Life-saving devices are required at the event making it safe for families.