Wapsipinicon River

Olin to Hale

River Miles: 6.2
Counties: Clinton
Recommended Level: ~1000 cfs

Review(s):

Knowledge of this area: Intermediate
Date of Paddle: 4/17/05
CFS: 6.4 ft./920 cfs at Anamosa
Recommended Craft: Recreational
Type of Water: flatwater
Overview of this section: This is part of what you could call the “upper” lower Wapsi. It has the sandbar camping and wildlife viewing opportunities that are the trademark of the lower Wapsi, but it’s still far enough upstream that you will see lovely bluffs and rock formations here and there. About 1-1/2 miles or so after you put in, there will be a big island in the middle of the river. If you take the left side you will see a few extra little pretty rock formations that you won’t see if you go to the right. About halfway through the trip we saw an active eagle nest on river right. There were either eggs or babies in it from the way the parents were acting. One flew off and tried to lure us away while the other sat on the nest and gave us a menacing stare. Not far before the takeout there are some really interesting-looking rocks and “mini-bluffs.” There is also a beautiful 12-sided house on river left—one of those rare instances where the intrusion of modern civilization adds to, rather than detracts from, the scenery!
Hazard and Rapids: No rapids, but lots of snags. Those would be the only challenges to a raw beginner.
Camping Available?: No campgrounds, but the Wapsi is a meandered stream here so you can sandbar camp!
Other Launches?: There are none between Olin and Hale.
Overall opinion of this section: As with so much of the lower Wapsi, this is one of those kick-back-and-relax trips. Its short distance makes it nice for kids or new paddlers. For us, we had already paddled somewhere else earlier in the day with another group so this short trip made a good “dessert.” Both accesses are easy for launching and taking out. You can start upstream at Newport Mills or end downstream at Oxford Mills if you want a longer paddle.
Pic: The beautiful rock formations not far from the takeout.

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Recent River Level Readings - taken from NOAA

Location: Anomosa