The River of Golden Dreams is a 3-kilometre paddle along a gentle waterway connecting Alta Lake to Green Lake through a wetland corridor that feels surprisingly remote given how close it is to the resort. The current is slow, the water clear, and in early summer the banks are lined with wildflowers. Canoes and kayaks can be rented from several operators near Alta Lake.
The paddle takes between one and two hours depending on your pace and how often you stop to watch the wildlife. Herons, ducks, and the occasional osprey are common. The challenge is the one short portage required to get around an obstruction midway along. At the far end, you can arrange a pickup at Green Lake or paddle back the way you came, which many people prefer because the return trip offers different views.