Genesee Valley Chapter of the Adirondack Mountain Club

West River (Ontario, Yates)

Segment: Sunnyside Road to Canandaigua Lake
Length: 3 miles (6 miles round trip)
Difficulty: Class 1

Maps: Delorme page number 58
USGS (7.5”) Middlesex

How to get there:

From Rochester take Route 490 east to Victor exit. Turning left on to Route 96. Follow Route 96 to Route 3 (four corners in Victor). Turn right on to Route 3 and follow to Holcomb. In Holcomb Route 3 turns into Route 20C at traffic signal. Straight through at traffic signal. Follow Route 20C to Route 5 and 20. Turn left on Route 5 and 20. Follow Route 5 and 20 to Route 64. Turn right on Route 64 at the flashing yellow signal and follow to Route 21. Turn left on route 245 just after entering Naples. Follow route 245 approximately 4.1 miles to Sunnyside Road. Turn left on Sunnyside Road. The put-in is at the bridge 0.1 mile from the route 245 intersection on the southwest side and is identified by a sign reading ‘Hi Tor West River Fishing Access Site’. An alternate put-in is located approximately 3.4 miles from route 21 on the north side of route 245. This put-in is identified by a sign reading ‘Hi Tor West River Unit’.

Description:

The trip starts at the bridge crossing the West River on Sunnyside Road. The put-in and parking are located on the southwest side of the bridge. From the bridge the trip heads west and soon enters the Hi Tor Wildlife Management Area. Approximately half of the trip passes through Hi Tor. After paddling approximately 1 mile a channel heading to the south is encountered. This channel leads to the alternate put-in. Approximately 1 mile before entering Canandaigua Lake the West River turns to the north and Naples Creek joins from the south. The main river channel is not as well defined past this point, numerous side channels into the marsh are encountered and it is advisable to note some land marks to use on the way back. Care should be taken if the lake is entered from the river as a north wind can blow up a considerable chop. The lake river junction is the turn around point for the trip. If the lake is not too rough an alternate take out is at the state boat launch near Woodville off of route 21. It is approximately 0.5 miles from the river to the boat launch across the south end of the lake.

Progressing towards the lake the scenery changes from wooded wet land to cattail marsh. To the south is the Hi Tor plateau and to the east and west in the distance are high hills quilted with farms and woodland. The river is relatively remote and an abundance wildlife can be seen. The river is canoeable year round except when frozen during the winter months.

Nearby Attractions:

High Tor Wildlife Management Area
Finger Lakes Trail
Widmer Winery (Tours)