Des Plaines River in Illinois

Trip Overview

This will be my third trip. The Des Plaines River was a different river each time. We put in at isle la cache in Romeoville once and by the Lemont bridge before that. It's beautiful and relaxing.

We just bought a used tandem sot and our loving the experience. We inadvertently baptized ourselves by fire on our first run....didn't know what up north watershed would do to the river here...wow!!!

I read (after the fact) it's one of the only places in Illinois with actual whitewater. It's called "Fishnet Rapids" and occurs between Romeoville and Lockport.

Sure we saw egrets, loons, herons, turtles.........but what we also saw was strainers. Luckily God watches out for certain types and we managed to experience the thrill without succumbing to it. I now don't take any 'side road' that happens to pop up in surging water unless I'm prepared.

I am learning the techniques and am quite happy to have started this. There is a place in Channahon, IL where you can park your car, follow the Dupage 3 miles and return via the I&M Canal to your car. i already biked it and know the I&M is clear to pass.

Launches:

when getting out at the bridge in Lockport (its the one after the massive 159th st one) try and get out before the bridge...better walk up trail to the parked car.