Places to Paddle tm
Canoeing - Kayaking - Rafting
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North Platte River in CO and WY
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Our Route Summary

  • Submitted by: Larry Rehwoldt
  • Date Submitted: 8/2000
  • Email: flabroncos@aol.com
  • Location: Walden, CO
  • Class: II - IV, with the highest snow melt water levels typically in May and early June.
  • Distance Paddled: 45 miles
  • Water: fresh and cold
  • Wildlife: Pronghorn, mule deer, trout

Entry

  • Directions: From Walden, CO take Highway 125 north 4 miles beyond Cowdrey to a T intersection. Then continue northwest on 125 about 4 miles. 1/2 mile after crossing the bridge over the river, turn at the white forest service sign to the Routt National Forest access site. You may leave your vehicle at the parking lot by the portable toilets.
  • Fee: none
  • Description: boat ramp
  • Parking: adjacent gravel
  • Facilities: portable toilets, picnic areas, primitive camping areas
    There is also good camping 6 miles north at the Six Mile Gap with an access path to the river.

Exit

  • Directions: Treasure Island takeout, 1.5 hours drive north of the put in
  • Fee: none
  • Description:
  • Parking: adjacent gravel
  • Facilities: restrooms and picnic areas

What We Saw

This was a 3 day, 2 night guided raft trip with Bill Dvoraks Kayak and Rafting Expeditions out of Nathrop CO (800-824-3795).

We paddled in a four man raft with another provisions raft behind. Our great guides were from Bonaire and New Zealand.
The first day, we paddled about 17 miles through Class III plus rapids on the Northgate section of the river. The river canyon here is narrow and at an altitude of 7000 - 8000 feet. Nights were cold. Sleeping under a star-filled sky, I woke with frost on my sleeping bag in July.
The next two days were mostly Class II or flatwater and the guides let us take the helm.

Here the scenery was magnificent and we had the easy water from which to enjoy it.. Narrow, solid rock canyon walls were in view much of the first two days.

The area was remote and pristine. We encountered few other people on the river. Probably as a result, there is excellent trout fishing in the area. one of the few people we encountered were fly fisherman in a rowing dory. The river is designated a Gold Medal Trout fishery for both Brown and Rainbow. A valid Wyoming license is required to fish.
It was a relaxing and beautiful trip. With great guides like these, folks with some paddling experience should do fine.