Platte River in Nebraska

Trip Overview

Platte River - Schramm Park to Highway 50

Four of us put in the Platte River on July 19 (Sat) around 8:45am on a high Platte River (one canoe, two recreational kayaks). Usually the Platte involves negotiating around sandbars, and in really low years, dragging canoes some. That day, we could paddle from one side of the river to the other.

We encountered some flotsam, results of flooding up river tributaries, some logjams at the MoPac Bridge that needed to be negotiated (though with any steering skills, one would be fine).

We stopped for lunch at Louisville State Park. It was a great location on a coolish day, but would be oppressive on a hot muggy day. Worse, there's no good take-out. We used concrete chunks that had been thrown in to reinforce the banks, then had to walk precariously along a small path lined with poison ivy. Otherwise, it was delightful. The cottonwood "fuzzies" were still falling from the trees, and the campground was filled with quiet campers.

Our take-out was a concrete boat ramp, but functioned well enough. Overall, a great day. Our trip organizer Dale has done this segment now four times, says it's usually a 3 hour float, but with the high water and appx 5-6 mph flow, it was about a 2 hour float.

Accommodations:

None

Fees:

No

Directions:

From I-80, take the Gretna exit and head east to Schramm Park. There's a parking strip on the right side of the road toward the last entrance to the park (which sits on your left). Park there, and portage to the river. Put in isn't the greatest, but if you go up river a little ways, you'll find some adequate places.