Lost Creek Reservoir - A Hidden Gem in Croyden, Utah
Found a New Place to Paddle!
Follow I-84 east, just beyond Morgan, Utah, and take the Croydon exit. Drive through the quaint town of Croydon, past the beautiful farmlands, over the dam (stop and check out the view over the top of the reservoir), and right down to the boat ramp at Lost Creek Reservoir. You can get close enough that you don't have to schlepp your craft more than a few feet. Once you unload, there's a parking area at the top and a reasonably clean toilet facility. It's only a 45-minute drive from Ogden, Utah with lovely scenery through the canyon and all the way up to the reservoir.
Follow I-84 east, just beyond Morgan, Utah, and take the Croydon exit. Drive through the quaint town of Croydon, past the beautiful farmlands, over the dam (stop and check out the view over the top of the reservoir), and right down to the boat ramp at Lost Creek Reservoir. You can get close enough that you don't have to schlepp your craft more than a few feet. Once you unload, there's a parking area at the top and a reasonably clean toilet facility. It's only a 45-minute drive from Ogden, Utah with lovely scenery through the canyon and all the way up to the reservoir.
Lost Creek Reservoir - Croydon, Utah
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The Early Bird Gets the Quiet
As usual, I got an early start so I could beat any crowds that might show up later in the day. There were a few others, mostly fishermen (fisherwomen, fisherkids) also launching early. Once out on the water, which was like glass, it was quiet enough that I could hear the fish jumping and the mama ducks encouraging their young'ns along the shore.
Lost Creek Reservoir, Utah - Water Like Glass
Lions or Moose or Bears, Who Knows?
Lost Creek Reservoir is big enough that you can easily spend a half day or more paddling the perimeter. I always like to check out where the water comes into a lake and I did find a couple streams, the largest being at the north end. It was pretty swift; I had a hard time paddling far enough in and staying in one place long enough to take some pictures. I was just about to let Sissy out to run around a little when I heard something grunting and splashing in the surrounding marsh. The foliage was way above my head, so I couldn't see what it was, but moose or bear, it was way too close for comfort. I quickly paddled out of the enclosed stream area where I could more easily see what was around me.
Lost Creek Reservoir - Croydon, Utah
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Fantastic Rocks and Plenty of Wildlife
The geology is red rock all around the reservoir. A pod of pelicans (yup, that's what a pelican group is called) looked positively prehistoric gliding against the sides of the canyon. The water was a deep, clear green. I saw a couple types of gulls, a golden eagle, some turkey vultures, pelicans, sandhill cranes, a great blue heron, and various ducks, hawks and falcons. There were cattle grazing near the boat launch and the northwest shore, posted "no trespassing", is Deseret Land and Livestock property. I assumed they wouldn't mind me letting Sissy out occasionally. The rock formations were grand and imposing - there was one rock I took the liberty of naming (see below).
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Great Blue Heron
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Deseret Land and Livestock
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Voldemort Rock
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Sshhh, Don't Tell Anyone!
I hesitate a little to write about Lost Creek; the kayaking was near perfection. I spent four hours paddling and gazing - a total of 6-1/2 miles. There were very few people about, even later in the day. Except, there were a number of groups fishing and hanging out in a shady spot near the boat launch when I finished my paddle. One duo was blasting music from their truck stereo. I guess that's what they thought people come to the lake on a weekday morning for - a classic rock concert, interspersed with high-decibel radio ads (there's a reason I always head to open water). I'm going back as soon as I can. I may have found my new favorite float.
Lost Creek Reservoir - Croydon, Utah
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