Otter Creek...

Wild and Remote Paddling in North Florida

Otter Creek enters the Waccasassa River about 1.3 miles downstream from the Waccasassa River Park boat launch. Just below Otter Creek, the river enters the Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park (accessible by boat only) and it becomes a mostly saltwater environment. From the entrance of Otter Creek, it's about 4.5 miles further on the river to the open waters of the Gulf. Along with the remote location, the distance to the Gulf is probably another reason why we rarely encounter many boaters on the river here. Otter Creek is a quiet, scenic paddle with pine, palm trees, and some cypress, tidal with some shelter from the wind. Distance depends on water levels and tide, a little under 2 miles of the Creek appears to be navigable at best.

Paddling Map
Otter Creek, Waccasassa, Wekiva Rivers

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Distance: About 10 miles (2-3 navigable)
Location: Levy County (Gulf Hammock, east and south of Cedar Key)
Difficulty: Moderate due to tide
Tidal: Yes
Launch points: Waccasassa River Park boat ramp (CR 326 off US 19) (See map)
Nearby points of interest: Cedar Key, Crystal River, Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park

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Paddling at Otter Creek
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Paddling at Otter Creek... Comments and Photos

We paddled upstream from the convergence with the Waccasassa River. The tide was low but coming in - it appears the tidal current can be strong at times, so plan your trip accordingly. The first 1.5 miles are easily navigable. However, not much further up (as the Google map shows), the Creek narrows, splits into branches, and appears to become impassable.