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Top 10 Things to Spot on Your Clear Kayak Tour at Rock Springs!

There’s something really unique about paddling through Rock Springs and our (almost) 3 thousand reviews speak testament to this. We have put together a list of the top 10 things to spot while you’re on the water with us. You can even use this list as a scavenger hunt! Every corner of Rock Springs is full of magic so let’s get into it!

Two people in clear kayak on a river near a white bird and lush greenery.

1. Turtles

Turtle on a fallen log surrounded by lush green leaves and plants in bright sunlight.

We like to call them the laid back locals. We see a variety of turtles at Rock Springs including soft shell, snapping, and loggerhead musks. You can catch them sunbathing on the banks of the river or even swimming below your clear kayak!

2. Peruvian Primrose Willow

You can’t miss these beautiful bright yellow flowers. They thrive in areas like Rock Springs because of the climate and the wetlands. Not only are they beautiful, they provide habitats for pollinators. *hint: look around the waterline for them!*

3. River Otters

A black jaguar resting on a mossy log in a dense jungle environment.

If you’re lucky (fingers crossed) you might catch a few river otters. They are our absolute favorite to spot on the water. They are playful, curious and extremely fast, so try not to blink 😉 We have a ton of videos of them on our IG, be sure to follow us and check them out.

4. Deer

A lot of times guests ask us which is the best tour time to choose from?! Although it’s never guaranteed, our quieter morning tours tend to spot deer off in the distance. We’ve seen them taking sips of water straight from the springs and they even get into the water too! They are extremely calm and graceful. We always feel so lucky when we see them.

5. Fish

We see a ton of different fish at Rock Springs. From small minnows to bass. The crystal clear water makes it easy to spot the fish swimming beneath you. Our clear kayaks really do level up your viewing experience!

6. Birds of Prey

Hawk perched on a tilted tree trunk in a grassy field with forest in the background.

We’ve talked a lot about what’s beneath the surface but don’t forget to look up! You might see osprey and different hawks. The most common hawk we see are red shoulder hawks. These beautiful hunters are a powerful reminder of nature’s balance and life circles.

7. White Ginger Lily

If you don’t spot this one, chances are you will SMELL IT! This beautiful white fragrant flower is one we love to point out for our guests. We encourage everyone to stop and smell the white ginger lily 😉

8. Raccoons

These little bandits are so curious about our clear kayaks! We often see them on the bank either inspecting our clear kayaks or washing their hands and food in the shallow parts of the water. Next to the otters, they have got to be our second favorite animals to spot at Rock Springs.

9. Climbing Aster

Bee on a pink flower surrounded by green leaves and more pink flowers.

In late summer and fall, the climbing aster bloom with lavender colored flowers that often attract butterflies! Being able to witness a butterfly land on them instantly sends us to our happy place. You’ve gotta see it for yourself!

10. Muscadine Grapes

Did you know Rock Springs was home to wild grapes?! You’ll find these on vines that twist up the trees along the bank of the waterway. Almost all wildlife including raccoons, deer, squirrels, and the birds of rock springs love snacking on them.

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