Mile 425.0 - Entrance to Palmyra Lake Back Channel

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

RBD 425 Entrance to Palmyra Lake Back Channel

Paddlers intending to go back channel through Palmyra Lake should stay RBD past Reid Buford Point and look for the break in the trees two miles further downstream. Note: the bottom point sandbar lengthens at medium low water and the opening is pushed further upstream, up to one and a half-miles further up, almost directly opposite the cranes at LeTourneau.

Palmyra Lake Back Channel

Opens up around 18VG with slow current. Generous flow (2mph) at 25VG. Strong flow (3mph) at 30VG. Adventuresome paddlers wanting to get a taste of what the Mississippi used to be like before rip-rap, rock and revetment can slip into the inviting opening opposite LeTourneau and dive into the woods along a narrow meandering channel through Palmyra Lake that might take all day to get through. Sure, you will lose some time not being on the main channel (which is about half the distance) but you will re-emerge along your route refreshed and reinvigorated by the experience! The Entrance to the Palmyra Lake Back Channel is found one mile below LeTourneau on the Louisiana side (right bank descending) near mile 425. The Return channel comes out at the base of Togo Island Bend near mile 415. Twenty one miles of back channel paddling to go ten miles! See below for possible low bridge hazard approximately fifteen miles down back channel. Below bridge the flow slows down and becomes sluggish at medium water, and slow at high water.

32.179971,-91.169829

Fifteen miles down Palmyra Lake paddlers need to be wary of a low bridge which is no problem at medium water, but becomes a hazard at high water elves, and might require a portage. Approach cautiously and pick best route for safe passage. If the water slides directly into the bridge with little or no opening, do not risk capsize. Pull to bank and inspect.

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