We will travel to northeastern Iowa for a weekend of canoeing and camping on the Upper Iowa River. Known for its towering limestone bluffs, abundant wildlife, and clear water, the Upper Iowa River is one of Iowa's finest paddling destinations and the state's only river under consideration for the coveted National Wild & Scenic River designation by the National Park Service.
This trip is beginner friendly, but will be moderately strenuous at times. Physical activities include canoeing 3-5 hours per day, walking on sandbars, and loading/unloading canoes into the river. We will go over skills to safely navigate a canoe in moving water; participants should be prepared for paddling and camping in varying weather conditions. The group will camp in a developed campground with access to bathrooms and running water.
$125 per person trip fee covers experienced guide, canoes and related equipment, food while camping. Fee will include
Upper Iowa River Float Trip Iinerary
Saturday June 16
7:00AM Leave from SOKO Outfitters
9:30AM Arrive in Bluffton, shuttle boats and vehicles
10:30AM Hit the water! 6 hour float from Plymouth Rock back to Bluffton
4:30PM Arrive back at camp, relax, snacks and drinks, set up camp
6:00PM Dinner and campfire
10:00PM Crash in tents
Sunday June 17
7:00AM Breakfast, pack up, shuttle vehicles
9:30AM Hit the water! 3 hour float from Bluffton to Melanaphy Springs
12:30PM Pack up boats and lunch in Decorah
2:30PM Hit the road back to SOKO
5:00PM Arrive at SOKO
Gear List
Tent
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Rain Gear
Water Shoes
Camp Shoes
Towel
Change of clothes
Warm clothes for morning and evening
Dry bag for river
Bug spray/ sunscreen
Toiletries
