• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Heart of Louisiana Logo

The Heart of Louisiana

  • Staycations
  • Regions
    • New Orleans Region
    • Capital Region
    • Acadiana
    • Southwest Louisiana
    • Central Louisiana
    • Northshore
    • North Louisiana
    • Bayou Region
  • 60 Second Road Trips
  • TV Stories
  • Buy Photos
  • Recent Posts
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Home/North Louisiana/Saline Bayou
trees hanging over still bayou water and reflections

Saline Bayou

Saline Bayou is one of the few mostly undisturbed, free flowing bayous left in Louisiana. And because of that, it’s earned federal recognition as a national wild and scenic river. This northern Louisiana bayou is the only waterway with that designation in the state.

trees along edge of Saline Bayou reflect in the still water
Trees reflect in the still water of Saline Bayou

quiet journey along saline bayou

The 20-mile-long protected portion of Saline Bayou flows from the Bienville and Winn Parish line down to Saline Lake, meandering through the Kisatchie National Forest. This pristine journey offers a glimpse into the natural beauty of Louisiana’s wilderness. On both sides, the bayou is cloaked with a thick forest of cypress and tupelo trees typical of a bottomland hardwood forest.

trees reflect in the still water of Saline Bayou
Mile after mile of natural beauty along the bayou

primitive paradise

Unlike many Louisiana bayous, Saline Bayou remains largely undeveloped. Kisatchie District Ranger Bradley Cooper explains, “Because it’s a scenic river, it’s going to be in large part primitive with very few access points.” This untouched environment provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. As we floated quietly down the waterway, the sounds of chirping birds filled the air. The area is teeming with wildlife. “You can view alligators and we have over 70 species of fish in the bayou,” Cooper says. He adds, “you might even see a raccoon or a possum hanging in a tree.”

a trip down the scenic waterway on tv

Watch this Heart of Louisiana story on Saline Bayou

maintaing the waterway

Keeping this waterway passable for boats requires continuous effort. Heavy rains and winds often knock down trees, obstructing navigation. Scott Sanders, who owns and operates a bucket boat, spends significant time traveling up and down the scenic bayou, lifting and pushing downed trees against the bank.

hydraulic metal bucked moves trees out of waterway
Keeping the bayou open to boaters

Camping and hiking along saline bayou

For those looking to extend their visit, Cloud Crossing Campground along Saline Bayou offers a perfect spot to pitch a tent. With drinking water, picnic tables, grills, and 16 campsites available free of charge, it’s an ideal location for an overnight stay. The three-mile-long Saline Bayou Trail provides a scenic hike, though heavy rains and high water levels can sometimes cover portions of the trail. The campground provides a launch for boaters.

picnic table and camping area in forest
Cloud Crossing Campground

“I hope they get the love of nature that I have and maybe a little peace and solitude,” says Cooper, encouraging people to spend time on Saline Bayou. With its stunning scenery and tranquil atmosphere, the waterway offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and experience the untouched beauty of Louisiana’s wild landscapes.

dirt hiking patch through forest near waterway
Hiking trail near the campground
sign for saline bayou national scenic and wild waterway at boat launch in forest
Boat launch at Cross Creek Campground

getting there

The Cloud Crossing Campground is located on Cloud Crossing Road 513 near Goldonna LA. For more information, click on this link to the National Wild and Scenic Waterway.

More Louisiana outdoors

sunset at Louisiana State Park with calm lake orange sky and silhouette of man setting on bench

Jimmie Davis State Park

    Kayak in tree covered Lake Chicot State Park Louisiana

    Chicot Canoe Trails

      floating boat dock on bayou with drawbridge in the background

      Paddle the Teche

        Written by:
        Dave McNamara
        Published on:
        May 20, 2024
        Thoughts:
        2 Comments

        Categories: Featured, North Louisiana

        Reader Interactions

        Comments

        1. Lisa S Gautreaux

          May 27, 2024 at 9:56 am

          I just stumbled on the Saline Bayou article. I am looking forward to investigating this area more and hopefully get to go visit soon. Thanks for putting information out there.

          Reply
        2. Sharon Hall

          May 27, 2024 at 5:29 pm

          I love Cloud’s Crossing! We have camped out there, swam there and had picnics all of our lives! Before it was a recreation area, My daddy used to plow cornfield there afterwards he would jump in the creek to cool off. I’ve caught sun perch, goggle eye, and bream for years. Love this creek!

          Reply

        Leave a Reply Cancel reply

        Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

        Heart of Louisiana logo

        Footer

        Copyright © 2025 Heart of Louisiana · Web Design

        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • About Dave McNamara
        • Contact
        • Advertising Opportunities
        • Archives
        • Privacy Policy
        • Site Map
        We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Privacy policyOk