On the River: Mill Race: Utah Lake Access

Mill Race is like a small, slow moving river that leads you to Utah Lake. Meandering through the marshlands of Provo Bay it is a waterfowl paradise. This is perfect for kayak camera day. This water way is frequently used by duck hunters so the waterfowl know your coming. I tried some minimal movement kayaking which was pretty easy since there is a slow current pulling you west toward the lake and I was able to get semi close to some blue herons. I also saw lots of muskrats and a surprise appearance of an otter. I was by myself so the paddle was quiet and I could hear all types of critters behind the cattails.

Short video:

I recommend the tunnel that goes under interstate 15. It is navigable and there are some spooky halloween spiderwebs all over the walls. Give it a try. It will be against a slow moving current that shouldn't be to difficult.

Grab a fishing pole for some angling or just enjoy the view. If you stay late you can try some night kayaking. Just follow the golf course lights back after you experienced the amazing sunset.

On the way back you will be fighting that slow current that may add a little difficulty to the paddle. No worries, because the view of the snow peaked mountains will distract your efforts as you are now facing our beautiful mountains. Staying to the sides where the current was less strong you can flush out all the hiding carp ducking between the reeds and cattails attemping to avoid predators. Birds of prey will be buzzing the area in search of a meal. That is probably what happened to that beat up catfish in the video. Or, it could have been an otter or muskrat. There is plenty of wildlife at Mill Race.

How to get there:

Exit 261 of the interstate 15. If you are from Spanish Fork it is the Flying Jay exit.

Then turn west toward Utah Lake going past the freeway exits to enter a frontage road but don't make that left turn. Instead look for the dirt road on the right.