Iowa River Water Trail

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LocationWater Trail Access in Louisa County at River Forks Access (Fredonia, IA), Hwy 61 Access (north of Wapello, IA), and Schwob Access (Wapello, IA)

Operating Hours & Seasons Flooding is common along this river. At average flows or “normal conditions”, sandbars are visible. Flood stage for Columbus Junction is 23 feet; however, at 17.5 feet the access road at River Forks goes underwater. It’s important to know the current water levels and conditions before venturing out. When in doubt, call Louisa County Conservation: 319-523-8381. At average flows or normal conditions, expect to travel 2 to 3 mph by canoe, and 1 mph by tube

Iowa River Water Trail Map and Brochure .pdf download of the Iowa River Water Trail - Louisa County brochure as produced by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources

Discover Iowa River Water Trail in Louisa County

The Iowa River in Louisa County flows unimpeded through thousands of acres of public backwater sloughs, wetlands and bottomland forests. Spectacular scenery, diverse habitat and sacred sites flank both sides of the river, but paddlers will appreciate the abundance of sandbar camping opportunities on a wide river that nearly doubles in size after the confluence with the Cedar River. Wildlife areas include: Horseshoe Bend Division of Port Louisa, Indian Slough, Millrace Flats, Wapello Bottoms and Odessa Wildlife Complex, to name a few.