Good rivers to float down...

[XJxplorer]

I am interested in some good rivers to float down in a Kayak... I am not looking for any rapids, just calm waters... The one river I plan to float down is the Green River in Utah. It's 45 miles long and there are quite a few spots to stop and camp along that way. Does anyone know of any other rivers like this?

[JeepinBear]

Bowron Lake / River Circuit in Canada...

http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/explore/cariboo/trails/bowron.htm


We haven't been there...yet. But I hear it is awesome!

The beautiful part is it is a circuit...so you can put in and take out in same area.

...and not to hijack...but...
http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17618

[goodtimes]

Black Canyon, starting at the Hoover Dam.

Chuck's trip report (http://www.chucksweb.net/Trips/2005/KayakFeb05/KayakFeb05.htm) (BTW Chuck, you are #3 on google for "black canyon kayak"---yer moving up in the world!!!)

[XJxplorer]

Thanks for the info, guys...

Anymore info??

[jim65wagon]

Not anywhere near you but the Rappahannock in Virginia is a good river to float...

[Nullifier]

Green river labryth canyon is good just make sure you run it with plenty of water. Also upper section near vernal and up toward green river wy

Colorado river moab to pot ash. See canyon lands by night for a shuttle.

Buffalo river arkansas

Namekagen in Wi is a great trip

There are tons. I would go to www.paddling.net To get trip reports on places by state from people who have been there.

[111db]

This one is on my list - just need to get another canoe and plan it out.

Verde River, AZ (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/verde-river-boat.shtml)

[Rallyroo]

I'll be doing my first multiday kayak trip and it'll take place at the Channel Islands (made up of multiple islands) off the coast of Southern California. I'll be on Santa Cruz Island and the highlight of the trip will be kayaking through the many sea caves.

[kerry]

There are two sections of the Green River downriver from the town of Green River, Utah, Labyrinth Canyon and Stillwater Canyon. Both are virtually flat, with one little rapid in the Labyrinth section just below the geyser. The big difference between them is the take out. A person can take out of the Labyrinth section at Mineral Bottom, which is the put in for the Stillwater Canyon run. The Stillwater section ends at the confluence with the Colorado river. There are no roads there. A person must either paddle up the Colorado to a take out near Potash or hire a jetboat to meet them at the confluence at take them upriver to Potash.
The Stillwater section has more Indian ruins than Labyrinth.
In my view, neither section is fun at the height of summer. It's too hot. During spring run off in May and June a person can make excellent mileage on the river, basically just floating with the current At lower flows the trip requires more paddling.
Whenever you go, make sure you take enough water. I can't remember if an approved river toilet is required on these sections. I think it is.

[dnellans]

I'm doing the green river from Ruby ranch down to mineral bottom this fall, what good timing for the thread! I've never done it before so should be a hoot. I'll try to remember to report back when we're done (early october). A portable toilet is required on this section of the river.

[grahamfitter]

If you're in this neck of the woods, there's the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=2) in Northern Maine.

Cheers,
Graham

[Dave]

Eleven Point River - This river has fewer gravel bars then most float streams in Missouri, so the Forest Service maintains several "float camps". These are designated camp sites accessible only river. Most of the float camps have a privy, fire rings, and picnic tables. My favorite time to float this river is in the spring before the trees show leaves. If you can catch it when the red buds and dogwood trees are blooming at the same time and morel mushrooms can be found, you've hit it just right. Nearest town is Alton, Missouri.

Current River - Managed by the NPS as part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Can be crowded on the weekends during the summer months, but you will likely have it to yourself if you go during the week. Below Round Spring access, jet boats become more prevalent. Gravel bar camping is plentiful. Most outfitters operate out of Eminence, Missouri.

[cruiseroutfit]

On a good water year you can float or kayak the San Rafael River

[Haggis]

If you're in this neck of the woods, there's the Allagash Wilderness Waterway (http://www.state.me.us/cgi-bin/doc/parks/find_one_name.pl?park_id=2) in Northern Maine.

Cheers,
Graham

X2 on that.

Also in our area (PA), the Alleghany River from Warren to Tionesta is a nice float trip with camping on the islands of Buckaloon State Park. Lots of eagles, ospreys, fishers, and an occasional river otter, plus some great fishing (bass, walleye, pike, musky) along the way.

[grahamfitter]

This is a bit of a stretch for "in our area" but I found this while I was researching our (still future tense) Labrador trip: Back in 1905 a woman named Mina Hubbard canoed 536 miles from the North coast of Labrador through the interior and out to the East coast, mapping as she went. A journey that, two years previously, had claimed the life of her husband. She wrote a book about her journey: A Woman's Way Through Unknown Labrador: An Account of the Exploration of the Nascaupee and George Rivers (http://books.google.com/books?id=m8UlAAAAMAAJ).

While I'm a lazy gravity fed whitewater kind of paddler, I'd definitely enjoy a wilderness inland or coastal paddle.

Cheers,
Graham

[Speaker]

This one is on my list - just need to get another canoe and plan it out.

Verde River, AZ (http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/red_rock/verde-river-boat.shtml)

There are different stretches of the Verde, and only one is really a "float". The recreational day stretch from White Bridge to Beasly is the easiest section, with some Class 1 gravel bars (small wave trains)... It takes about 5 hours to do without much paddling, but it's hardly something I'd recommend someone from out of state come to AZ for.


from Beasly on it's whitewater. Here's a photo from last weekend at 330cfs
http://dana.ucc.nau.edu/~dz29/TedVerdePreFallsSmall.jpg


At 3000cfs, the San Juan in Utah is a great float. From Sand island to Mexican Hat takes about 4 days. Hardest rapid is a long class 2, and usually at that flow, rapids are blown out. Unfortunately, you need a permit to float the Juan.

[devinsixtyseven]

If you have the travel time, I highly recommend Ohio and Pennsylvania. A lot of the places we've been remind me of scenes from "African Queen" but without the massive rapids.

Yough..Yock...Yugho...arg! What's the name of that river in Pennsylvania? Sounds like "Yockagainee" but looks like alphabet soup?

-Sean

[Fireman78]

The Rio Chama, in NW New Mexico. I spent three day on this river in spring of 08. I does have some rapids, but they aren't bad. It is highly regulated by the BLM, and it is truly a great wilderness experiance. PM me for further details , I plan on making this a yearly trip, I loved it so much. OH YA.. on a side note.. although I am no longer selling these rafts.. I highly recommened checking out www.alpackaraft.com 4 lb packable rafts... these boats are great!

[kerry]

The Rio Chama, in NW New Mexico. I spent three day on this river in spring of 08. I does have some rapids, but they aren't bad. It is highly regulated by the BLM, and it is truly a great wilderness experiance. PM me for further details , I plan on making this a yearly trip, I loved it so much. OH YA.. on a side note.. although I am no longer selling these rafts.. I highly recommened checking out www.alpackaraft.com 4 lb packable rafts... these boats are great!

I agree the Chama is wonderful. It is a permitted river and permits are given out via a lottery system early in the year. It's dam controlled and I believe they typically only release on weekends.

[Fireman78]

I agree the Chama is wonderful. It is a permitted river and permits are given out via a lottery system early in the year. It's dam controlled and I believe they typically only release on weekends.

True- however- you do NOT need a permit prior to May 1st. We went on the very last weekend in April and it was great. Full on spring runoff, no permits, no people at all. The ONLY issue was the nights were very, very cold. I plan on doing another (pre-May 1st trip) again, but I will be bringing my warmest sleeping bag this time. Anyone wanna go?

[kerry]

Man, did that post bring back a good memory! I ran the Chama in late April back in the early 80's, prior to permits and toilet regulations. It was freezing and when I woke up in the morning I had to take a crap real bad, but didn't want to get out of my warm sleeping bag. Finally I could wait no longer so I ran past the frozen water jugs and over to the slit trench we had dug the night before planning to drop a quick load and jump back into my sleeping bag.
As I squatted over the trench, the most marvelous miracle occurred. The previous night, one of my fellow river runners had cooked in a dutch oven and put his charcoal into the slit trench. It was still burning and the heat from the coals rose to warm my butt and turn that defecation into one of the most pleasant sensations that I will never forget. I could have stayed squatted there for a long time.

[Fireman78]

Man, did that post bring back a good memory! I ran the Chama in late April back in the early 80's, prior to permits and toilet regulations. It was freezing and when I woke up in the morning I had to take a crap real bad, but didn't want to get out of my warm sleeping bag. Finally I could wait no longer so I ran past the frozen water jugs and over to the slit trench we had dug the night before planning to drop a quick load and jump back into my sleeping bag.
As I squatted over the trench, the most marvelous miracle occurred. The previous night, one of my fellow river runners had cooked in a dutch oven and put his charcoal into the slit trench. It was still burning and the heat from the coals rose to warm my butt and turn that defecation into one of the most pleasant sensations that I will never forget. I could have stayed squatted there for a long time.

It's the simple things in life that matter...........:sombrero:

[KSJeep]

The Rio Grande, Big Bend NP is a great float trip, a few class I, lite Class II. We did a 4 day trip, the area and river is amazing. A must do if you get the chance.

[Every Miles A Memory]

Buffalo River (http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/gallery/6798502_oro92#434446279_G69hk) in the Ozarks of Arkansas is one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. Depending on the time of year and rain fall they've had, you can go anywhere from very calm waters to Class 3 to 4 rapids.

There are a few different places to camp right on the water, both rustic and State Campgrounds with pit toilets and showers.

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/photos/434449352_syNAZ-L-1.jpg

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/photos/434449169_6s6xX-L-1.jpg

Then there is the White River (http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/gallery/6798642_6rhr7#434456400_qEfc9) in Arkansas. This beatuy is long, and well worth the float! Some of the best trout fishing around and as smooth as you could ask for.

Floated numerous sections of this and caught too many trout to remember right from our kayaks

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/photos/434456400_qEfc9-L-1.jpg

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/photos/434455665_gZ7bk-L-1.jpg

http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/photos/434457702_L77Gf-L-1.jpg

[Dave]

Awesome pictures Pat! We are going try to get back to the Buffalo this year.

[Every Miles A Memory]

Thanks Dave!

On our way to Yellowstone to work for the summer, we have to stop off in Northern Arkansas to cover an event.

We're also going to try and schedule a float back down the Buffalo. Probably one of my favorite rivers I've ever paddled

[XJINTX]

Buffalo River, one of the few "never Dammed" rivers around :)

I have done some of it but all. Planning a week long stint as we speak :wings:

I recommend this to anyone and any level paddler or fisherman.

[Dave]

Thanks Dave!

On our way to Yellowstone to work for the summer, we have to stop off in Northern Arkansas to cover an event.

We're also going to try and schedule a float back down the Buffalo. Probably one of my favorite rivers I've ever paddled

Next time you're near Southern Missouri, check out the Current River and the Eleven Point if you haven't already.

Eleven Point...

http://dnb.smugmug.com/photos/461439503_Fh7EF-L.jpg

http://dnb.smugmug.com/photos/461440364_jjU4b-L.jpg

http://dnb.smugmug.com/photos/461440615_9e3AK-L.jpg

Current...

http://dnb.smugmug.com/photos/461448707_UqmiD-L.jpg

[RocKrawler]

Anything relatively local to SoCal?

[KEENO]

Don't forget the Jacks Fork of the Current River while up in Missouri. Much less travelled than the Current.

Beautiful!:)

KEENO

PS: Just got flooded off of the Buffalo River in Arkansas over the Easter Weekend. The river rose 11' Sunday (4-12-2009):Wow1:

[expoxj]

[QUOTE=Every Miles A Memory;357867]Buffalo River (http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/gallery/6798502_oro92#434446279_G69hk) in the Ozarks of Arkansas is one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. Depending on the time of year and rain fall they've had, you can go anywhere from very calm waters to Class 3 to 4 rapids.

There are a few different places to camp right on the water, both rustic and State Campgrounds with pit toilets and showers.


Then there is the White River (http://everymilesamemory.smugmug.com/gallery/6798642_6rhr7#434456400_qEfc9) in Arkansas. This beatuy is long, and well worth the float! Some of the best trout fishing around and as smooth as you could ask for.

Floated numerous sections of this and caught too many trout to remember right from our kayaks=Quote]

LOL I love it when people post about my backyard...:victory:. It surprises me daily how much arkansas goes unnoticed in the outdoor community. There is so much to do here right in the middle of the country. Anybody ever want any local knowledge on the area pm me or Robertdarin. We both have lived here most our lives and have been on the rivers and in the woods about as much as anybody.