NOTICE: Attendees must register online prior to attending the event!
NOTICE: Watercraft will not be provided - attendees must bring their own watercraft to the start access.
Where: Ida & Woodbury Counties: From Washta Access to Little Sioux Park ~ 10 miles. Meet at the Washta Access at 9:00am to offload canoes/kayaks and gear. We will drive all our vehicles to the take out (Little Sioux Park), and return to the put-in (Washta) in as few vehicles as possible—often referred to as the “shuttle”.
Important Notice: This stretch of river is long and requires you to avoid or maneuver around obstructions such as log jams or woody debris in the river—due to length and challenges, it’s not suited for first time paddlers. It’s important that you have good control of your canoe or kayak. Depending on weather, water levels, and other factors, this trip may take between 4 and 5 hours total, so plan accordingly. Registration is required, so we can communicate with you in case of a change of plans or cancellation.
Canoes, kayaks, life jackets, paddles, and other gear will not be provided – participants must bring their own. Life jackets must be worn when on water. Participation is limited so register early so you don’t miss out.
What to bring: Bring water, lunch and snacks, insect repellant and sunblock; and for comfort, consider wearing quick drying clothing (not cotton), a hat/cap and/or sunglasses to protect you from the sun, and water shoes (or, old sneakers that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy). Sandals and flip-flops are not ideal—closed-toed footwear is the best way to protect your feet.
Description: This trip takes paddlers along a ten-mile stretch of the Little Sioux River between Washta and south of Correctionville. Paddlers will travel through a mix of woodland and agricultural lands, including some straightaways and hairpin curves. The river offers many glimpses of wildlife and flows under a variety of bridges (old and new). Paddlers should expect to have to navigate around some deadfalls.
Trip Lead: Dan Cohen is a writer, photographer, advocate, and naturalist, and provides consulting through his Nature Communication business. He previously served as the long-time Buchanan County Conservation Board Executive Director before retiring in 2023. Dan has worked on many Iowa DNR Water Trail projects, and in 2023 and 2024 he provided river reconnaissance exploration and reporting on the Little Sioux River. Dan’s stories and photography are published on his Nature Communications Substack PAGE.
Dan Cohen on the Little Sioux River