The Cypress River is a prairie river in southern Manitoba, located in the Lorne area near coordinates 49.432392, -98.588459. It flows from the Highway 2 crossing toward the Assiniboine River, running adjacent to Spruce Woods Provincial Park. A boat launch is available at Big Pine Lane.

Like many prairie rivers in Manitoba, the Cypress River is highly dependent on water levels and is not reliably paddleable throughout the season. Spring and periods following significant rainfall are the most viable times to paddle, as the river can rise quickly under those conditions. By later in the summer, water levels often drop to the point where paddling becomes impractical. Water gauges are present on the river, and monitoring gauge readings before a trip is strongly recommended to confirm adequate depth.

When water levels are sufficient, the river carries a fair amount of current, making it well-suited as a one-way downstream trip rather than an out-and-back route. The character of the paddle changes as you move downstream, with the river cutting into an increasingly deep gorge that provides scenic, visually interesting paddling. The corridor is described as very scenic and beautiful overall.

Paddlers should be aware of a significant hazard: barbed wire fences are strung across the river at multiple locations. These require careful attention and the ability to stop or portage safely. This hazard makes the river unsuitable for paddlers who cannot identify and respond to low-clearance obstacles in moving water.

The reference book "Canoeing Manitoba Rivers, Vol. 1 South" by John Buchanan (Rocky Mountain Books, 1997) covers Manitoba rivers in this region and may contain more detailed route information for trip planning purposes.