Des Moines River

Kalo to Dolliver

River Miles: 9
Counties: Webster
Recommended Flow: 500 - 3000 cfs.

Review(s):

Submitted By: Ben Petty
AKA: bpetty
Knowledge of this area: Intermediate
Date of Paddle: March 28, 2005
CFS: 1450
Recommended Craft: Recreational
Type of Water: Mostly flat with a few mild riffles.
Overview of this section: This 9 mile section of river is a scenic float, with some long stretches of high timbered bluffs and sandstone formations, and relatively few direct signs of humans once you pass the small town of Kalo. You'll see the occasional cabin along the river, along with (unfortunately) a couple of old campers / RVs that are "perched" right along the riverbank, and make for a bit of an eyesore. There are fewer riffle / rapids areas than in the sections above Fort Dodge, but this stretch is more heavily timbered and has higher bluffs along the river. To start off, the river heads due east for a few miles, passing along one nice section of mid-stream boulders that were visible on this trip, but I imagine would be mostly submerged at flow rates of much over 2000 cfs. Shortly after these boulders, the river makes a sweeping turn south and then back to the west. At the start of the next southward turn (about 5 1/2 miles into the trip) the creek from Woodman Hollow enters the Des Moines River. This area is worth a side trip, and a hike up along the tiny creek will reward you with some fascinating views of this "canyon" and it's rock formations. Continuing downstream is an interesting rocky undercut on river right, and a large island shortly afterwards, which looks like it would make for a great overnight camping location. Some of the wildlife I saw on this trip included Canada geese, wood ducks, teal, bald eagles, and a turkey. Shortly after passing the island, the Des Moines heads east, then as it turns south again, some steep whitish-colored cliffs tower over the left side of the river. About another mile, and you'll be at the Dolliver Park boat ramp on river right.
Hazard and Rapids: None - a few mid-stream boulders to watch out for.
Camping?: Dolliver Park has 33 campsites and a family cabin for rent.
Other Launches?: Past Kalo, there is no bridge or road leading to the river.
Other items of interest about this area: Dolliver Park has some good hiking trails, leading to heavily wooded areas, Prairie Creek, rocky cliffs, "Boneyard hollow", and a couple of Indian burial mounds. 
Overall opinion of this section: Very good - A pretty remote section of the Des Moines that passes through a scenic and steep valley.

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Recent River Level Readings - taken from NOAA

Location: Stratford