Paddled and tubed this stretch of the river after several inches of rain the previous few days. Water level was just high enough for the entire trip to be navigable. River was moving enough for an enjoyable kayak paddle with an inflatable and recreational Old Town. There are several (9-10) areas of rapids or riffles and 4-5 islands that create choices as to which channel to take. Since this was our first time paddling this section we can't recommend one or another, but they all looked similar. I do not recommend tubing this section unless the river is particularly high and fast moving - those of us in kayaks had to tow the tubes for long stretches where the water was slow-moving.
The river itself is beautiful and quiet for most of the way with a variety of wildflowers along the banks including cardinal lobelia, Mexican daisies and wild honeysuckle. You will likely see lots of bird life as well - we saw great blue herons, great egrets, common mergansers, black ducks, cormorants, kingfishers, etc. Plenty of funky rock formations, too. Depending on the line you wish to take there are some minor class 2 rapids and long riffles that require your full attention to avoid the many rocks across the river.
As you approach Satan's Kingdom there is a large sign instructing those who want to return to the Canoe and Kayak Shop to stay to the right channel. If you stay to the left in the main channel , the Satan's Kingdom tubing area is on your right with a few small dirt clearings to take out. Be aware that the current picks up here and you can easily get swept past the state park into another set of rapids if you don't pay attention.
Depending on which channels you take around the islands this trip is between 5 1/2 - 6 miles and took a couple of hours with stops to enjoy the views.
