info on canoeing the swanson river at Sterling

[hunter11769]

I've wanted to canoe the Swanson for years finally going to do it this week. I'm taking the wife and my 6 year old grandson. I want to start at the end of swanson river road by the campsites and float to the inlet. I heard it can be done in one day. Any idea how long it would take roughly? Don't want this to turn into 14 hours with the wife and grandson in a canoe. Any input would be great. thanks

[theultrarider]

It can be done in one long hard day of paddling. Most folks I know that have done it, take 3days and enjoy instead.

[toofewweekends]

Long time since the last float of the Swanson, but it's quite a few hours. It's a nice two-day float. Part of what you need to figure on is the logistics -- arranging a drop-off & pick-up, back to where ever home is. Even if you live in Kenai, there's a bunch of time driving around. The float is great, though, and there are some nice camping areas mid-way downriver