Start Point: Iowa River Access #6, Cappy Russell Access (near Oakville, Iowa)
End Point: Iowa River Access #0, Ferry Landing/ Mississippi River (near Oakville, Iowa)
Length: 5.5 miles Float time: 2 hours at moderate pace
Maps: Download printable map (.pdf ~650 KB) Link to map page
Description
Putting in at Schwob Landing in Wapello gives you the option of a half-day (ten-mile) trip to Cappy Russell Access or adding about five miles and finishing at Ferry Landing, where the Iowa joins the Mississippi River.
Along the way, keep your eyes open for wildlife. Beginning at river mile 14, you’ll pass Turtle Bend Wildlife Management Area and Horseshoe Bend Division of Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge.
At the end of the Iowa River, you can connect to the Odessa Water Trail with a brief (3/4 mile) jaunt up the Mississippi and a short portage. In fact, parking your shuttle vehicle at Toolesboro Boat Ramp instead of Ferry Landing can save about 16 miles of driving.
Amenities
At Cappy Russell Access: hard surface boat ramp, parking, primitive (tent) camping allowed - one night maximum
Near Cappy Russell Access: food, gas, hotels at Wapello (12 miles)
At Ferry Landing: hard surface boat ramp, parking, primitive camping, water, toilets, picnic tables
Near Ferry Landing: food, gas, hotels at Wapello (12 miles)
Coordinates
Cappy Russell Access latitude/longitude: 41.103051, 91.052601
Ferry Landing latitude/longitude: 41.162202, 91.014687
