Skunk River

W75 Bridge to Stephenson Park

River Miles: 6
Counties: Henry
Recommended Flow: 500, maybe? Rarely too low to paddle.

Review(s):

Submitted By: Mark Wise
AKA: Riverman
Knowledge level of the area: Intermediate
Date of Paddle: 3-6-05
CFS: 1900
Recommended Craft: Recreational
Type of Water: Mostly flat with a few riffles in lower water.
Overview of this section: Easy water- nice relaxing, beginner-friendly stretch. This put-in is a little challenging, requiring about a 300 foot carry on the river-left downstream side of the bridge, to a small gravel bar that may be submerged at higher river levels. Some high wooded bluffs appear towards the end, first on the left, then on the right.
Hazard and Rapids: A few riffles in lower water. None at this water level except for a small one on river-right at the take out. Otherwise, just the occasional submerged log and motorboat wake.
Camping?: Primitive camping at Stephenson Park. Camping also available at Oakland Mills (319-986-5067), J& J campground in Mt. Pleasant(319-986-6398), or Lake Geode State Park. This is a "meandered" stream, so sand bar camping is legal, though I only saw 2 possible places at this water level.
Other Launches?: None that I noticed
Places to rent or buy outdoor equipment: River Basin Canoe & Kayak, Burlington, Iowa (319-752-1857)
Other items of interest about this area: Big Creek enters the Skunk about a mile from the put-in. This can make an interesting side trip, though the current is a little strong in places.
Overall opinion of this section: Good easy day trip.

Recent River Level Readings - taken from NOAA

Location: Augusta