River Junction Access to River Forks Access
Start Point: River Junction Access (near Riverside, Iowa)
End Point: River Forks Access (near Columbus Junction, Iowa
Length: 24 miles Float time: 9.5 hours at moderate pace
Maps: Download printable map (.pdf ~650 KB) Link to map page
Description
Put in at River Junction Access (“Stumptown” to locals) and you have 24 miles of river unbroken by towns or even many dwellings.
There are also no public accesses on this stretch, which means 8-9 hours of paddling or a great opportunity for an overnight stop on a sandbar, in the right conditions. Be sure to keep an eye on the weather and make your camp well above the waterline.
Take out at River Forks Access in the tiny town of Fredonia. You’ll be just across the river from Columbus Junction where there is food, gas and other amenities.
Amenities
At River Junction Access: hard surface boat ramp, parking, camping, restrooms, picnic tables
Near River Junction Access: food, gas at convenience store (2 miles), hotel, food at Riverside Casino (1 mile)
At River Forks Access: hard surface boat ramp, parking, primitive (tent) camping allowed - one night maximum stay
Near River Forks Access: food, gas, hotels at Columbus Junction (2 miles)
Coordinates
River Junction Access latitude/longitude: 41.490047, 91.501765
River Forks Access latitude/longitude: 41.282923, 91.345575
Hills Access to River Junction Access
Start Point: Hills Access (near Hills, Iowa)
End Point: River Junction Access (near Riverside, Iowa)
Length: 9.8 miles Float time: 3.5 hours at moderate pace
Maps: Download printable map (.pdf ~650 KB) Link to map page
Description
Put in at Hills Access just east of the small town of Hills. The boat ramp is located in a nice park managed by Johnson County Conservation Board. Immediately after putting in at the hard-surface boat ramp, you'll go under the County Road F62 bridge. Old Man's Creek,the major tributary in this stretch, enters on the left about 2 miles into your trip. Past that point, the river bends and curves often.
Take out at the River Junction Access boat ramp. This is located in another Johnson County Conservation Board park with a campground and restrooms. The town of Riverside is just a few miles to the west on Highway 22. The Riverside Casino is even closer to the east.
Amenities
At Hills Access: hard surface boat ramp, parking, camping, restrooms, picnic tables
Near Hills Access: food, gas at Hills (2 miles)
At River Junction Access: hard surface boat ramp, parking, camping, restrooms, picnic tables
Near River Junction Access: food, gas at convenience store (2 miles), hotel, food at Riverside Casino (1 mile)
Coordinates
Hills Access latitude/longitude: 91.519429, 41.555096
River Junction Access latitude/longitude: 91.501765, 41.490047
