Racoon River in Iowa

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Middle Raccoon River

I put in at Panora and took out at Redfield. Nice water flow is listed as 400cfs, but when I put in it was 1270, making the river very fast.

This was my first time on the Middle Raccoon, and while I'd done lots of reading up on what to expected, it didn't matter much since the river was way up (over a foot higher than normal). That meant I didn't see any real riffles or rapids, but those sections were instead wavy, fun & fast.

Temperature was 46 when I put in, and I covered the 13 miles in about 3 hours due to the fast flow. The access points were all paved making entry and exit very easy.

The scenery was very enjoyable despite the completely gray overcast skies, with wooded hills and bluffs. I saw many geese & ducks, a couple of turkeys that flew a few feet in front of my boat, and perhaps one coyote, though from the distance I can't be sure.

Planning on going back with my wife and other family over Memorial Day weekend!

Accommodations:

Nice paved put in and take out

Fees:

None

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking, Canoeing
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: River/Creek (Up to Class II)

Trip Location