The West Fork of the Des Moines River definitely requires experience. From the get go, scout the first rock dam. If you think it is too difficult there is an optional put in at the bridge on Sumner Avenue. The river is quite swift, and it will take you to a second rock bridge, which you can go through the chute on the left or center. However, in low water season, you may have to portage. As you go on, there are riffles and a slow down stretch by rocks and boulders. During lower water levels you may have to paddle harder to avoid them. Be watchful for rocks before the Gotch Park Road at any water level. The take out is a boat ramp on the river left after the Gotch Park Road bridge.

The West Fork of the Des Moines River definitely requires experience. From the get go, scout the first rock dam. If you think it is too difficult there is an optional put in at the bridge on Sumner Avenue. The river is quite swift, and it will take you to a second rock bridge, which you can go through the chute on the left or center. However, in low water season, you may have to portage. As you go on, there are riffles and a slow down stretch by rocks and boulders. During lower water levels you may have to paddle harder to avoid them. Be watchful for rocks before the Gotch Park Road at any water level. The take out is a boat ramp on the river left after the Gotch Park Road bridge.

Storm Lake is large and surrounded by private homes. The good thing is, there are many parks with boat access that you can take a break and explore, have a picnic or take out. Because it is a large lake, there are powerboats, personal watercrafts, fishing, swimming and sailing. The Lakeside Marina is equipped to serve every category, including fishing gear and bait.

Coralville Lake is a good fishing lake. It is connected to the Hawkeye Wildlife Management Area and the Macbride Nature Recreation Area. It is located northeast of North Liberty and it has concrete boat ramps. It is equipped with campground, picnic areas, boat rental and beaches.

This beautiful river located in Northern Illinois provides paddlers with lots of solitude and wilderness scenery as it travels through rural farmlands and forested terrain home to lots of wildlife. Starting from the city of Galena, this section of river is a little less scenic than sections further north but has more consistent flow and is wider for easier paddling and less possible obstructions. There are multiple other access points to the river located along this section providing good resting or stopping points but much of the river has very muddy, tree-obstructed banks that are not easily accessible. This section of the Galena River almost always has sufficient water for paddling during any time of the year. The take-out is located in Harris Slough on the Mississippi River which also provides additional opportunity for paddling.

This section of the Spoon River, like most of the Spoon River, is a mild flowing river that meanders through rural terrain with mostly wooded shoreline and banks that offers lots of solitude and opportunity for viewing wildlife. The river also offers lots of sandbars that make excellent resting spots. The put-in and take-out spots for this trip are primitive without developed launches so be prepared for the possibility of getting a little dirty and doing a little work to get on the river. The gradient is very mild along this section and obstructions are not too common making it a relaxing, peaceful stretch of river to float.

This segment doesn’t have the best access to put in. Also, be watchful for electric fences placed sporadically across the river. Downstream you will find mild riffles, limestone bluffs and several small islands. Like the put in, the take out is not an easy one. It is a drag up the county road on the river left.

The North shore is on the Minnesota border. The Iowa Great Lakes is a chain of lakes, Big Spirit Lake being one of them. It is known for good fishing. The lake has boat access, accessible pier, boat rental, picnic area, beach, trails, accessible facilities restrooms, camping, good/excellent shore fishing and hard surface boat ramp.

Clear Lake is large and it has something for everyone. You can paddle all day and still not see the whole lake; there are powerboats, personal watercrafts, golfing, shopping, camping, hotels, great restaurants and hiking. This is mapped in two sections, this one being the larger and on the west end. There are a lot of private residences on the water edge. Make sure you take out on public property.

This section of the Upper Iowa River has several tight bends accompanied by some riprap. As you approach the island, take the right and enjoy a few chutes. When the water is low, take the left chute. After the Decorah’s wastewater treatment plant, the scenery gets better. The river travels under bridges, a few bluffs, flowing along a limestone wall and red cedars. The take out is on river right.