Alexander River: The Turtle Park and Samara Ruins

Today we will share a route along the Alexander River which starts at the Turtle Park, where we can see the soft sea turtles, continues along the river to the Samara Ruins, from where we will have a wonderful view and ends at the creek estuary at Mikhmoret beach. A route surrounded by pastoral vegetation and beautiful blooms, which is recommended for the whole family.

Technical Details

Length of the route: about 4 km.

Duration of the route: about two hours.

Nature of the hike: An easy route suitable for families, passable for bicycles.

Recommended seasons: All year.

Starting point: Turtle Park, from the old coastal road (Road 4) turns to the Moshav of Kfar Vitkin (Road 5721). About 500 meters after crossing the bridge over the Alexander River, just before the train tracks, turn north (right) on the paved road, drive about a kilometer and reach the parking lot of the park.

Ending point: The estuary of Alexander River. At the Yanai interchange (Road 2), turn in the direction of Mikhmoret, cross the Alexander River on the Mikhmoret access road, continue for another half kilometer and turn left onto a dirt road leading to a parking lot on the river bank.

Route Description

What is the origin of the name of Alexander River? One version claims that it is named after the great Hasmonean king Alexander Yanai, who for a time conquered the area. On the other hand, a simpler version says that the origin of the name is in the Arabic name of the river, “Iskandir”, probably after Iskandir Abu Zabora – a watermelon trader was known to have a private port at the mouth of the Alexander River, from which he exported watermelons to Egypt and Lebanon.

In any case, we will finish the day’s route at the same estuary of the Alexander River to the Mediterranean Sea – but you will need to bring the watermelons from home.

The Turtle Park

Our route begins in Turtle Park (also called “Italy Park”, after the friends of the JNF in Italy who contributed to its establishment). The park has an impressive observation tower that offers views of the Hefer Valley and nearby communities. At the foot of the tower is a spacious lawn with picnic tables, ornamental trees, and a deck, and at the back is a playground for children. A small pier, next to the river, provides an opportunity to watch the soft-shelled turtle – one of the most impressive natural attractions in Israel.

The soft turtle is the largest and most impressive of the Israeli turtles. In the Alexander River, the largest population of soft-shelled turtles in Israel has been preserved, most of them concentrated in the section of the river near the Turtle Park (hence its name). Their maximum weight is 60 kg and their length reaches 1.2 meters. The turtles’ armor is flat and oval, is less bony than other turtle species, and is covered in skin, so the armor is flexible and soft. It has raised eyes and a trunk-like eye, which are used by the turtle while swimming close to the surface of the water when the eyes protrude above the water and the trunk serves as a kind of snorkel.

Like all reptiles, the soft-shelled turtle also has “cold blood.” In winter, when the temperatures are low, the turtles are less active and therefore it is recommended to watch them in the summer, especially in April-December.

The soft-shelled turtle feeds on small animals that it catches. It knows how to manage on its own and therefore should not be fed.

Turtle Park to Samara Ruins

The bridge near Turtle Park has been nicknamed the “Turtle Bridge”. It was established in the 1930s by the founders of Kfar Vitkin. At first, it was an impressive wooden bridge, which lasted for decades until a major storm in 1991. After that it was rebuilt, this time from concrete. We will cross it and continue with the dirt road (note, cars also pass it).

The continuation of the route passes through a dirt path, on the side of the north bank of the stream, and it overlaps with section 17 of the Israel National Trail, which is marked with the three unique stripes in blue-white-orange. Near the bank of the stream, we can see the observation deck from which you can look at a fenced laying surface built for the soft-shelled turtles.

We will continue along the creek and pass under a railway bridge. Immediately after the bridge we will leave the river bank and turn right on a dirt road. After about 400 meters, near the checkpoint, we turn left and continue on the road that passes near a water canal. This canal drains clean water from the high groundwater of the Hefer Valley industrial zone, but in the past – when it was established by the British – was designed to drain the excess water from a forest pond (Ata pond) – a large winter puddle that is a remnant of the famous Hadera swamps.

From here the road passes between the southern border of the Hadera Forest and its eucalyptus trees and the Alexander River. The forest was also planted as part of an attempt to dry up the Hadera swamps, but the eucalyptus trees was not so effective as initially planned so they turned to draining the swamp via canals, such as the one we walked next to.

Samara Ruins

After a kilometer and a half of walking, we will reach the top of the hill on which Samara Ruins lies, from which we can enjoy a spectacular view of the area. The building was erected at the end of the 19th century by Abdullah Samara, to whom the surrounding lands belonged. The place later became a customs station on behalf of the Ottoman authorities, which provided service to the same “watermelon port” on Mikhmoret beach. The JNF purchased these lands in 1940.

At the foot of the hill, in the shade of eucalyptus trees, is a large campground with picnic tables, water taps, and explanatory signs. In the spring, the hill is covered in spectacular blooms, including common anemone, bulbous, and tulips, and from its top, there is a wonderful view of the surroundings (you should continue from the ruin a few meters north to gain a spectacular view to the north).

From here we will continue with the trail on the bridge below the coastal road until we reach a small pier built on the river bank, next to which are many raspberry plants and Eshel trees. It is a beautiful vantage point on the estuary to the Mediterranean Sea. It is interesting to note the differences between the two banks of the creek – while the south bank is made up of golden dunes, the north bank contains the alluvial soils of the creek. It happens that the sand reaches the shore from the south, is “swallowed up” in the stream, and does not reach the north bank.

Alexander River’s Estuary

The estuary is a perfect spot to end the hike. In winter the water flows into the sea, but in summer the sands cover the estuary, and the view is charming.

From here we can continue another half kilometer north along the coast to reach the southern part of Tel Mikhmoret. On the low kurkar hill there used to be an ancient settlement, and today the Mevoot Yam marine school is located there.

On the other hand, the creek funnel can be continued about a kilometer south to reach the coastal road interchange, on the other side of which is the “M HaDerech” shopping center. It is a successful spot for parking, public transportation, and of course… shopping.