Mile 663.0 - RBD Helena Harbor
663 RBD Helena Harbor
Paddler’s Note: the most prominent landmark in the Helena area is the Helena Bridge, but don’t go there (yet)! The Helena Harbor is almost two miles above the bridge. If you’re looking to make a landing for access to boat ramps & downtown Helena, be sure to turn into the harbor! (Also, this is the Old Helena Harbor -- not to be confused with the more recently constructed Helena Slackwater Harbor, which is in the middle of nowhere 15 miles downstream)
You may not see the Harbor opening until you are right on top of it, but you will see the signs of civilization rising above the tree line with radio towers, cell towers, docking facilities, grain elevators and such. Closer up look for the Mile 663 Green Mile Marker (Green Square). The harbor opening is 200 yards downstream on the right bank descending. You will see a flat parkland, and a road, and then a boardwalk reaching out to the river’s edge. This is the Helena River Park. You can camp in the willows here during low water. Low water results in a rocky climb over the rip-rap to get there, but bank full (35HG) you can sail into the trees and pick out the best spots. During King Biscuit Festival hundreds of campers fill the park and enjoy live blues -- annually held during the 2nd full weekend of October. The Helena River Park was recently upgraded with a series of interpretive panels designed and implemented under the oversight of the National Audubon Society.
There are two landings in the Helena Harbor. Both are located near the top end of the harbor, one on each side. You can use either one, but in general the one to the West is more usable at low-med water levels. It’s less muddy, better maintained, less steep -- and much wider. But it is also further away from town and sometimes busy with unfriendly fishermen and other motorized vessels who aren’t always courteous to paddlers. Also the East Ramp goes completely underwater and the access road is closed at 40 HG. At high water levels you will have to make landing on the West Ramp.
If you are making a short foray into downtown Helena you might want to pull over to the East Ramp, the one closest to the downtown levee. It’s narrow, short, steep and often gooey with the famous sticky & stinky mud of the Lower Miss, but at least you won’t have to elbow your way in through motorized traffic, and it’s a quick walk over the levee to town. There is talk in Helena about expanding this ramp specifically to accommodate paddlers. Helena’s Strategic Plan identifies the need to become better oriented towards eco-tourists like hikers, bikers and paddlers. With some simple implementation Helena could become the paddler’s destination on the Lower Mississippi, and improving this ramp would be a giant step in the right direction. Historic Cherry Street runs north to south parallel and directly behind the levee, and the Delta Cultural Center is the first building you’ll see and want to visit. Be sure to hide or safeguard your canoe or kayak! Carry any valuables with you!
On the other hand the best vehicle access is the West Ramp. If you are starting or ending your journey here and someone is dropping you off (or picking you up), drive to the West Ramp (via Perry street through the Helena River Park). If you plan to stay longer and camp, or are concerned about over-night security, the local police are directed to close a security gate to the access road (for cars) after mid-night. Call (870) 338-5555.