Paddling this section of the Des Plaines River leads through multiple large forest preserves located along the river and the nearby Illinois and Michigan Canal. The scenery along most of the way is woodland terrain and open green space with occasional road bridges and industrial site. There is lots of opportunity for birdwatching in the area due to the protected forest preserves and close proximity of the river and canal to each other. The popular I&M Canal trail follows within close proximity of the river and there are also multiple access points providing lots of opportunity for stopping and exploring the surrounding area on land.