Although most of the river is canoeable, access points are presently limited. One purpose of this guide is to create a greater awareness and need for additional access points to Rumney Marsh from the Pines River.
Rumney Marsh Reservation off of the Salem Turnpike (107) is a good put-in point. (Call (617) 727-5350 regarding vehicular access to Rumney Marsh Reservation.) Other possible access points include the Chick Gibson Landing of Mills Avenue. Parking is limited, so it's suggested that you drop your boat off and park in Gibson Park. There are plans for a new public landing to be built at this park. In addition, if you plan to canoe below the Salem Turnpike Bridge (ocean side), it is suggested that you notify the Revere Harbormaster.
Because of its tidal nature, currents in the Pines River can be extremely strong, especially in constricted areas under bridges. Being an experienced canoeist, as well as being familiar with weather conditions and the tidal schedule, is strongly recommend for these sections of the river.
If you're interested in canoeing in this portion of the river and have no experience, it is suggested to take on of the canoe tours presented by the MDC, or Friends of Rumney Marsh. This guide will describe a canoe trip upriver from the lower basin to the Saugus Racetrack area. Although this could easily be done in a few hours, it is suggested that you begin with shorter trips - taking one's time to stop and appreciate the subtle beauty of these wetlands.
Continuing upriver, the Pines turns southwest and passes under the Salem Turnpike (107). (be sure you have clearance and watch for fishing lines before trying to negotiate this passage.) Once under the bridge, Diamond Creek enters to the south. This tributary of the Pines River flows back under Route 107 and meanders through open high salt marsh in Revere. It's worth taking some time to explore this area.
his section of the marsh contains ponds called salt pannes.These pannes hold salt water as the tide falls. Algae, invertebrates and fish are found here, along with the birds that prey on them. These ponds were common in Rumney Marsh, but many were eliminated after the mosquito ditching in the 1930's. A small section of marsh in the Bear Creek area is potmarked by these pannes. This area represents what most of Rumney Marsh originally looked like.
Back on the Pines, swift currents propel you past the constriction of the I-95 embankment. This huge pile of sand was deposited on the marsh in the 1960's for the then proposed Route 95. In 1990 over one million cubic yards of sand was taken from the Saugus portion as part of the Revere Beach re-sanding project. In Revere, about 12 acres of sand will be removed in an attempt to bring portions of the salt marsh back to its original condition. A good access point is located on the northwest side of the Saugus embankment. A canal parallels the embankment to canoeable creeks and high salt marsh in Saugus.
The pines river continues into the old seaplane basin. This expansive area, which was once all salt marsh, was dredged to create an open basin for seaplanes. Its islands, uplands and mud flats, provide boaters with a variety of environments and habitats to explore. At low tide mud flats provide feeding area for aging migratory shore birds.
Migratory birds at Rumney Marsh provide visitors with a constantly changing cast of avian visitors. In winter sea ducks such as buffleheads, and black duck are common. With the coming of spring, shorebirds such as black bellied plovers, dunlin, and yellowlegs are seen as they stop at Rumney Marsh on their journey north to breed. Terns, snowy egrets and glossy ibis are common summer visitors, while late summer and fall see many shorebirds already on their return journey south.
The "river" which is a small creek at this point, heads north from the seaplane basin. It then meanders through high saltmarsh and ends at the old Saugus Racetrack and airfield area. This horse racetrack and adjacent hotel opened in 1870. The half-mile oval track with its four story hotel and grandstand proved to be a big attraction. It was closed in 1905 after local citizens complained about the questionable clientele that the racetrack attracted.
In 1911 the racetrack became an airfield. This airfield, later named Atwood Aviation Park, saw the first airmail delivery in New England on May 30, 1912. All that remains today is an outline of the old track and foundations from the old hotel.
Ecologically speaking, this area of Rumney Marsh is important because it is a transition zone between salt marsh and upland. Ecologists recognize these edge areas, where two ecological zones meet, as very valuable for wildlife. Nesting red-tailed hawk, muskrat, great blue heron, and red fox are some of the wildlife that frequent this section of Rumney Marsh.
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Canoe Guide