Kayaking the Upper Iowa River - Decorah, IA - Lower Dam to Iverson Bridge Access - October 2023

Put-in below the Lower Dam in Decorah, IA. Take-out at the dedicated Iverson Bridge Access at 346 Mc Laughlin Dr, Dorchester, IA. Both access points have gravel parking lots and clean access to the river; both are maintained access points, are signed, and have room for trailer turn around. The trek down to the river at the Lower Dam can be a little challenging if you put in closer to the dam; it’s a long walk/carry. I opted to drag my boat down the incline and put in further away after the Class I/II rapid. The river level at 6.85’ at the Dorchester gauge on Hwy 76 was very good, some scraping here and there but nothing bad. The water clarity was awesome and we saw a ton of fish and eagles. The scenery was exceptionally Driftless and was indeed a treat.
waterdata.usgs...
northeastiowar...

[@barry4fish19]

Thanks so much for sharing, wonderful relaxing paddle and scenery. All of us that appreciate the quiet sports thank you for not adding obnoxious music like so many others do, the water and nature sounds are so much better!

[@driftlesskayaker]

Thank you very much! I feel the same and try to balance a little intro/exit music, personal comments/remarks, maybe a crack of a brew (or two), and an overall representation of the river. I try to share what we experience to give a representation of what someone else might experience; which is why I try to show the balance of riffles/rapids and flatwater. I appreciate the comment. Right now, I'm working on the 4th Upper Iowa video from our outing last week. The Upper Iowa was great but boy I ended up with a lot of video to try to edit down. :) Thanks again!

[@warrenthomas4687]

this is the section with alot of public land along the banks...did you guys see any bowhunters?

[@driftlesskayaker]

Hey there, no we did not; not that we were aware of. At least no one yelled at us to stop talking because we’d scare the deer off. 😃