North Fork of the Raccoon River

Hagge Park (south of Sac City) to Grant Park (north of Auburn)

River Miles: 18.12
Counties: Sac

Review(s):

Submitted By: Eric Yunginger
AKA: darkwolf
Knowledge Level of the area: Intermediate
Recommended Craft: Recreational
Type of Water: Mostly calm river, with a few class I riffles and two rock dams, class II-III.
Overview of this section: Smooth and calm paddle through Sac County from Sac City to Auburn. Put in below the dam at Hagge Park. At high water (rocks at Hagge Park dam not visible) river is deep enough for any craft, and most sandbars are submerged. River winds through cropland, pasture, and scenic bluffs. Also passes under several picturesque bridges.
Hazard and Rapids: There is a single-strand electric fence (was off last time I went through) between Hwy 196 and Grant Park. Enough slack in wire that it can be raised with a paddle shaft and floated under. There are also rock dams at Whitehorse Access and Grant Park, each lasting about 30 ft. At high water, Grant Park probably rates a good class III. At high water, strainers may be an issue due to flow rate. Grant Park take-out is concrete rip-rap banks below the dam, dirt/mud above. If taking out below dam, check depth before stepping into water as several places drop straight to 10-15' depth. Sandbar on river left below dam is good for recovery after swims.
Camping?: Camping available in Hagge Park (upper part) and Grant Park.
Other Launches?: 7 mi--put-in/take out can be accomplished at Hwy 196 bridge SE of Sac City, but vehicles would probably have to be parked at county park 1/4 mi S of bridge. 11.81 mi-Whitehorse Access--concrete boat ramp with ample parking. Host of other Co. Rd. and gravel road crossing that shuttle/chase vehicles can meet and pick up/drop off boats, but only designated river access at Hagge, Whitehorse, and Grant parks.
Places to rent or buy outdoor equipment: none
Overall opinion of this section: Good stretch of river for an easy day trip with a few rapids to play in along the way.

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Recent River Level Readings - taken from NOAA

Location: Jefferson