Iowa River

The Fred T. Schwab access of the south edge of Wapello is a popular put-in point for a 4 - 6 hour paddle. Take-outs are at Cappy Russell Access (10.2 miles) on the north edge of Oakville or Ferry Landing Public Use Area (16.5 miles) 3 miles northeast of Oakville. Time depends primarily on the water level. The Iowa river is affected by precipitation in the northern part of the state and may be high after heavy spring rains.

The river bottom is primarily sand and will have beaches and sand bars when the water level is low. The Iowa flows into the Mississippi at the Ferry Landing area. Paddling on the quiet channels of the Mississippi in in this river section can continue for 2 - 4 hours depending on take-out choice.

Most paddle trips start by meeting us at Ferry Landing to park cars. Ferry Landing park is located at the mouth of the Mississippi river across from New Boston, IL. Ferry Landing park offers primative camping, fishing and a boat ramp.

Directions to Ferry Landing:

From Burlington or Hwy 34, take Hwy 99 north from Burlington approximately 20 miles. Stay straight into Oakville. From the northern edge of Oakville, turn right and drive approximately 6 miles on gravel to the levee on county road X71. The park is on the river side of the levee. There is one Y turn where you want to stay left.

From Hwy 218, turn east on state Hwy 78 (near Olds) approximately 22 miles to Hwy 61. Continue east on H22 to Hwy 99. Turn north and drive less than a mile to Oakville. Stay straight into Oakville. From the northern edge of Oakville, turn right and drive approximately 6 miles on gravel to the levee on county road X71. The park is on the river side of the levee. There is one Y turn where you want to stay left.

From Hwy 61 turn east on H22 (between Wapello and Mediapolis. Drive to Hwy 99. Turn north and drive less than a mile to Oakville. Stay straight into Oakville. From the northern edge of Oakville, turn right and drive approximately 6 miles on gravel to the levee on county road X71. The park is on the river side of the levee. There is one Y turn where you want to stay left.

For more information contact us at iowapaddler@yahoo.com.

The Iowa River was mapped as a Water Trail in 2010. More information is available at www.IowaRiverWaterTrail.com